This vibrant Caprese pasta salad brings together juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it’s the perfect refreshing side or light lunch for warm-weather meals, potlucks, and backyard gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fresh, bold Mediterranean flavors
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Quick and easy to prepare
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Perfect for make-ahead meals and picnics
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A versatile side dish or light main
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Customizable with your favorite pasta or add-ins
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Naturally vegetarian and kid-friendly
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dressing
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½ cup extra virgin olive oil
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3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
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1 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more for pasta water)
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
For the Salad
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8 oz fusilli, penne, or orecchiette pasta
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3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
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8 oz small mozzarella balls (mozzarella pearls or bocconcini; halve if large)
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⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
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Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Directions
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Make the Dressing: In a jar or measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Set aside to let flavors infuse.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain and Cool: Drain pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking. Toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and the prepared dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Let It Rest: Allow the salad to rest at room temperature or in the fridge for 20–30 minutes so the flavors meld.
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Serve: Just before serving, fold in chopped basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Garnish with extra basil if desired.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 9 minutes
Cooking Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 340 kcal per serving
Variations
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Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
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Change the pasta: Use gluten-free, whole wheat, or your favorite pasta shape.
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Add veggies: Cucumber, red onion, or roasted red peppers make great additions.
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Cheese swap: Try crumbled feta or shaved parmesan in place of mozzarella.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as fresh tomatoes and cheese do not freeze well.
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Make ahead: You can prepare the dressing and pasta a day in advance, then mix everything together just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Fusilli, penne, rotini, or even bowties all work well for holding onto the dressing and mix-ins.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. It actually tastes better after sitting for 20–30 minutes. Just add basil and glaze right before serving.
What’s the best type of mozzarella to use?
Mozzarella pearls or bocconcini are best for size and texture. If using larger balls, just cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Yes, store-bought works well and saves time. You can also reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove to make your own.
How can I make this pasta salad gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to cook it just until al dente to prevent mushiness.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up well in the fridge for a few days and makes a great lunch or side dish throughout the week.
What can I use instead of fresh basil?
Try chopped parsley, arugula, or even baby spinach for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I skip the cheese to make it dairy-free?
Yes, the salad will still be flavorful. You can also use a dairy-free mozzarella substitute if desired.
What protein pairs best with this salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are all excellent options to turn it into a complete meal.
Can I serve this warm?
It’s traditionally served cold or at room temperature, but you can enjoy it slightly warm as well—just don’t overheat the cheese.
Conclusion
Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and satisfying dish that celebrates the simplicity of quality ingredients. With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, it’s a foolproof go-to for any occasion. Light, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—this is one salad you’ll make on repeat.
Print
Caprese Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 9 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook / Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Caprese pasta salad brings together juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil tossed with a zesty homemade dressing. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it’s the perfect refreshing side or light lunch for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more to drizzle
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
- For the Salad:
- 8 oz fusilli, penne, or orecchiette pasta
- 8 oz small mozzarella balls (mozzarella pearls or bocconcini; halve if large)
- 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- In a mason jar or measuring cup, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Whisk or shake to emulsify. Set aside.
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss lightly with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, halved tomatoes, and mozzarella.
- Pour dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
- Let salad rest for 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, stir in chopped basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Tossing pasta with a little olive oil prevents sticking before adding the dressing.
- For a make-ahead option, store salad and dressing separately and combine before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
