Caprese Pasta Salad

Save this recipe on:

Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with the best of summer flavors, this Caprese Pasta Salad is the dish you’ll be making on repeat. Sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil come together with tender bowtie pasta and a zesty balsamic vinaigrette for a salad that is anything but ordinary.

Whether you’re hosting a garden party, packing a picnic, or simply want a quick lunch that feels a bit special, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s colorful, satisfying, and incredibly easy to whip up with just a few ingredients that shine bright on their own.

---

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pasta Salad

• Easy and Fast: With minimal prep, this dish comes together in under 20 minutes.
• Customizable: Add grilled chicken, prosciutto, or avocado for extra protein or flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually tastes better after sitting, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Fresh and Light: Ideal for summer, it offers a cooling contrast to heavier mains.
• Crowd Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at BBQs, potlucks, or holiday spreads.

---

What Kind of Mozzarella Should I Use?

For the best texture and presentation, use mozzarella pearls or ciliegine (small mozzarella balls). They blend beautifully with the bite-sized pasta and tomatoes, making every forkful creamy and balanced. If you can’t find the pearls, you can cube a fresh mozzarella ball—just make sure it’s packed in water for maximum freshness.

---

Ingredients for the Caprese Pasta Salad

Each ingredient in this salad plays a delicious role in creating a fresh, bold flavor profile that celebrates simplicity:

• Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Holds sauces well and offers a lovely bite-sized shape that pairs perfectly with the salad ingredients.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and colorful. They add a refreshing pop and a burst of summer flavor.
• Mozzarella Pearls: Creamy and mild, these soften slightly when tossed with the warm pasta, creating irresistible bites.
• Fresh Basil: Bright and aromatic, basil lifts the whole dish and brings that classic Caprese flair.
• Balsamic Glaze: Adds a rich, tangy-sweet depth that ties the salad together beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a silky texture and enhances all the other flavors.
• Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and boosting the natural flavors of each component.

---

How To Make the Caprese Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Cheese

While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes and slice or tear the basil leaves. If using larger mozzarella balls, cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 4: Finish with Balsamic Glaze

Right before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the salad and give it a gentle toss or leave it drizzled for presentation.

---

How to Serve and Store Caprese Pasta Salad

This vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature, making it incredibly flexible for entertaining or casual meals. It feeds around 6 people as a main and up to 10 as a side dish.

To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If making ahead, wait to add the balsamic glaze until just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant.

---

What to Serve With Caprese Pasta Salad?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Lightly seasoned chicken skewers pair beautifully with the fresh flavors of this salad.

Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs

These flavorful bites make an excellent hearty addition. Try them with this salad for a fun contrast.

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

A creamy pasta bake like Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells makes a comforting partner.

Italian Grinder Salad

Complement your pasta salad with a meaty and crunchy Italian Grinder Salad.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

The buttery richness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna balances the brightness of the Caprese.

Toasted Ciabatta with Herbed Butter

Simple, crusty bread with a smear of herbed butter rounds out the meal perfectly.

Roasted Veggie Platter

Add more color and nutrients with a medley of oven-roasted seasonal vegetables.

Iced Lemon Basil Tea

For a refreshing drink pairing, iced lemon basil tea adds a zesty note that mirrors the salad’s brightness.

---

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you love the easy elegance of this Caprese Pasta Salad, here are more flavorful recipes to explore:

• Avocado Egg and Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs for a protein-packed, creamy twist.
• Easy Veggie Patties to serve alongside for a hearty plant-based bite.
• Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta if you’re craving a meaty version of a bowtie pasta dish.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for seafood lovers seeking something rich and bold.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you need ultimate comfort food vibes.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a little garlic? Try sun-dried tomatoes? Maybe grilled zucchini?

I love seeing the delicious ways you all make these recipes your own. If you have any questions or tips to share, don’t be shy—join the conversation!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and vibrant salad inspirations on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: