This Caprese Pasta Salad brings together the comfort of pasta and the brightness of fresh tomatoes and basil. It’s one of those dishes that you can throw together when the sun’s out and the grill is going. We love how the mozzarella pearls get soft and dreamy, while the balsamic glaze pulls everything together in a tangy-sweet hug. There’s no need to fuss with complicated steps. We keep it chill—boil some noodles, chop a few fresh things, stir, and done. It travels well, which makes it perfect for picnics or potlucks. I always make a little extra, because it disappears faster than you can say ‘where’s the salad?’ We’ve been known to toss in grilled chicken or serve it with broccolini on the side. Whether you’re meal-prepping lunches or feeding a crowd at a barbecue, this dish works. It’s calm, simple, and quietly delicious. A bowl of this and a sunny porch? That’s summer for me.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
3) Ingredients for Caprese Pasta Salad
4) How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
5) Tips for Making Caprese Pasta Salad
6) Making Caprese Pasta Salad Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Caprese Pasta Salad
8) Try these Salads & Bowls next!
9) Caprese Pasta Salad
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This salad takes just 25 minutes from start to finish
Uses fresh, simple ingredients with no fuss
Perfect for summer parties or easy recipes for dinner
Customizable with protein add-ons like grilled chicken

2) Easy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Caprese Pasta Salad might be the easiest dish in my summer lineup, and it’s always a hit. You know those days when the sun’s blazing and the last thing you want to do is stand over a stove? That’s where this salad shines. It feels light but fills you up, and it makes great leftovers if you’re into meal prep like I am.

It brings together fresh basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, and those mozzarella pearls that somehow always feel a bit extra (in a good way). Everything gets tossed with olive oil and balsamic glaze that clings to the pasta in the best way. You can serve it as a side or as the star of the show, and it plays well with everything from grilled chicken to a crusty piece of garlic bread.

So whether you need something for a cookout or just want easy recipes for dinner, this pasta salad keeps things simple and tasty. Plus, it looks great in a bowl. I mean, who doesn’t like colorful food that’s also low effort?

3) Ingredients for Caprese Pasta Salad

1 pound pasta (rotini or penne work well)
Go with a shape that holds dressing well. You want those curves and crevices to carry all the good stuff.

2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key. They add brightness and juiciness to balance the richness of the cheese.

8 ounces mozzarella pearls
They’re small and creamy, and they melt just a little if the pasta is warm. Perfect bites every time.

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Basil brings everything together. The smell alone makes the kitchen feel like summer.

1/4 cup olive oil
A good quality olive oil matters here. It coats the ingredients and helps the flavors mingle.

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
This is where the magic happens. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy kick that elevates everything.

Salt and pepper to taste
Don’t forget to season. It pulls all the ingredients into balance, especially when the dish is chilled.

4) How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad

Step 1. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it until it’s just al dente. Drain it and set it aside to cool slightly. I usually let it sit on a tray so it doesn’t keep cooking in the colander.

Step 2. Grab a big bowl. Toss the pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes. Add in the mozzarella pearls and basil. Give it a quick stir to break things up and help the ingredients settle in together.

Step 3. Drizzle the olive oil over everything, followed by the balsamic glaze. Season with salt and black pepper. I like to go heavy on the pepper for a little extra bite. Stir everything again to coat each piece nicely.

Step 4. Chill it for about 30 minutes if you’re not eating it right away. If you’re in a rush, though, it tastes pretty great at room temp too.

5) Tips for Making Caprese Pasta Salad

Use quality ingredients. When the ingredient list is short, every piece matters. Good olive oil, fresh basil, and sweet tomatoes can turn this from “meh” to “wow.”

Let the pasta cool. Tossing hot pasta with mozzarella might melt it too much unless that’s your plan. Give it a little breather so the salad stays clean and fresh.

Make it a meal. Add grilled chicken, or even chickpeas if you want to go meatless. This flexibility is what makes this one of my go-to easy recipes for dinner.

6) Making Caprese Pasta Salad Ahead of Time

This dish holds up really well in the fridge. If you’re planning ahead, make everything and hold back half the dressing. Pasta soaks up flavor fast, and a little fresh drizzle before serving keeps it from feeling dry.

Store it in an airtight container and it’ll be ready for lunches or dinner whenever you need it. I’ve taken this to work, packed it for road trips, and served it at dinner parties.

It’s one of those rare meals that doesn’t suffer from sitting around, which is a big win in my book. And since it’s part of our quick and easy recipes category, you won’t be spending your whole Sunday prepping it either.

7) Storing Leftover Caprese Pasta Salad

Stick it in the fridge, covered, and it’ll last for up to 4 days. Just give it a stir before serving. Sometimes I add another small splash of oil or balsamic if it needs waking up.

It travels well too, so it’s great for lunchboxes or picnics. The ingredients don’t get soggy and it still tastes great cold. That’s why it’s always on our list of easy recipes with rotisserie chicken when we need a side or base for extra protein.

I’ve even frozen leftovers before a vacation. It’s not as bright after thawing, but still edible if you’re in a pinch.

8) Try these Salads & Bowls next!

9) Caprese Pasta Salad