This Caprese Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer side dish made with tender ditalini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and an easy homemade balsamic dressing.
Inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, this easy pasta salad is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for cookouts, potlucks, weeknight dinners, or lunches/snacking. Prep it on Sundays for an easy-to-grab option during the busy week or toss it in your cooler for a pool or beach day this summer. Perfect for a crowd or just you!
What Is Caprese Pasta Salad?
Caprese Pasta Salad is a pasta-based version of the classic Italian Caprese salad, which traditionally features tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. By adding cooked pasta, you transform the dish into a filling cold pasta salad that's ideal for entertaining or as a simple lunch. I love to scope some into a jar to bring to work with me.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Packed with fresh summer ingredients
- Tossed in a sweet and tangy balsamic dressing
- Perfect served cold or hot immediately after assembling
- Great for meal prep, picnics, poolside/beach days, and cook outs
Ingredients
Ditalini Pasta
Ditalini is perfect for this cold pasta salad because its small shape evenly distributes the dressing and ingredients. Other great options include rotini, farfalle, or shells.
Mozzarella Balls
Fresh mozzarella pearls or ciliegine provide creamy bites throughout the salad. Plus, they’re just fun!
Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet grape or cherry tomatoes add freshness and vibrant color.
Fresh Basil
Basil gives this pasta salad its classic Caprese herbal flavor.
Balsamic Dressing
A simple homemade dressing made with balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil ties everything together beautifully.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
Cook the Pasta
Cook the ditalini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Balsamic Dressing
Meanwhile, in a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
Assemble the Salad
Next, in a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. I love these serving bowls!
Toss with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Then, pour the balsamic dressing over the pasta salad and toss until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve
You can serve immediately, but I recommend chilling. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds its shape.
- Rinse pasta with cold water to cool it quickly.
- Add extra basil just before serving for the freshest flavor.
- If making ahead, reserve some dressing to refresh the salad before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
Add Protein
Grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, shrimp, crispy prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, or chickpeas turn this into a complete meal.
Add Avocado
For a creamy twist, toss in diced avocado just before serving. Note: if you’re meal prepping this, only add avocado right before serving – not for fridge storage as avocado will brown over time.
Toss in More Veggies
Roasted red peppers, kale (which doesn’t get soggy like other greens), zucchini, or adding spinach or arugula right before serving pack more vegetables into your Caprese Pasta Salad. A little pesto is also delicious.
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
A finishing drizzle of balsamic glaze adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.
What to Serve with Pasta Salad
This Italian-inspired Caprese Pasta Salad pairs perfectly with:
Cast Iron Short Rib Smash Burger with Best Burger Sauce, Big Juicy Cheeseburger (topped with onion rings), Molasses-Glazed Pork Tenderloin, All-American BBQ Ribs, Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce, Prosciutto Pesto Sandwich with Fontina and Peppers, Turkey Club Wrap, Hot Dog Bar, Beer-Braised Hot Dogs with Braised Sauerkraut, or Shrimp & Veggie Skewers.
FAQs
Can I Make Caprese Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, making it ideal for meal prep and entertaining.
What Pasta Works Best?
Ditalini, rotini, bowtie, orecchiette, orzo, penne, macaroni, and shells are all excellent choices. Pretty much any small noodle. Tortellini are delicious too.
Can I Use Balsamic Glaze Instead of Dressing?
Balsamic glaze can be used as a finishing drizzle, but the homemade balsamic dressing adds more balanced flavor throughout the salad.
More Summer Pasta Salad Recipes
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Tortellini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
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Asparagus Salad with Peas, Tomatoes & Peppers
Burrata Salad with Crispy Prosciutto
This Caprese Pasta Salad with balsamic dressing is everything you want in a summer pasta salad—fresh, vibrant, and bursting with classic tomato, mozzarella, and basil flavors. Whether you're bringing it to a potluck or serving it alongside grilled favorites, this easy tomato mozzarella basil pasta salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Add balsamic, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper to a salad shaker and shaker well to combine. Or whisk together in small bowl. Set aside.
- Once pasta is cooked rinse with cold water and drain. Add to large bowl with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella.
- Drizzle balsamic over the top and mix to combine.
- Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve. Recommend at least 30 minutes but can serve immediately.
Notes
Missy
One of my go-to summer pasta salad recipes as soon as the temps start increasing!