Caprese Pasta Salad
Updated May 19, 2026
Quick Summary
This easy Caprese Pasta Salad is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for summer! Made with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, pasta, and balsamic glaze, it's the ultimate summer pasta salad recipe for BBQs, potlucks, and easy dinners.
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The Best Easy Caprese Pasta Salad for Summer
When summer rolls around, this Caprese Pasta Salad is one of the recipes I make on repeat. It has all of the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad…sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic, but tossed together with pasta to make it a little more hearty and satisfying.
I especially love this pasta salad because it feels fancy enough for entertaining, but it is secretly SO easy to make. The tomato mixture marinates while the pasta cooks, which gives the salad incredible flavor with very little effort. The tomatoes get juicy, the mozzarella soaks up the olive oil and balsamic, and the basil makes everything taste extra fresh and summery.
This is the kind of pasta salad that disappears fast at BBQs, potlucks, and family dinners. I also love making it for easy lunches during the week because it tastes great chilled straight from the fridge.
If you are looking for a fresh summer pasta salad recipe that is simple, colorful, and always a crowd favorite, you have to try this Caprese Pasta Salad.
Ingredients (with Helpful Notes)
- Grape tomatoes: Sweet, juicy grape tomatoes work beautifully in this salad. Cherry tomatoes are also great. Use the freshest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor.
- Fresh mozzarella balls: Bocconcini or mozzarella pearls are perfect because they mix evenly throughout the salad. If using larger mozzarella balls, cut them into bite-size pieces.
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil since the dressing is simple and the flavor really shines through.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds tangy flavor and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the salad bold flavor and makes the dressing taste extra fresh.
- Fresh basil: Fresh basil is essential for classic Caprese flavor. Add some right before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.
- Dried oregano: Adds a subtle Italian-inspired flavor that works perfectly with the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a small pinch adds a little heat and balances the richness of the cheese.
- Pasta: I love using orecchiette because the little cups catch all of the dressing and tomatoes, but rotini, bowtie pasta, fusilli, or cavatappi also work well.
- Balsamic glaze: The finishing touch! It adds sweetness and makes the salad extra pretty for serving. You can also use my balsamic vinaigrette.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the halved tomatoes and mozzarella with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, half of the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let this sit for about 30 minutes so the tomatoes release their juices and create a light, flavorful dressing.
- While the tomato mixture rests, cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. The pasta should still have a little bite so it holds up in the salad.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly. Add the cooled pasta to the tomato mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Stir in the remaining fresh basil just before serving for a fresh, bright flavor.
- Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper, if needed.
- For the best flavor, let the tomato mixture sit before adding the pasta. This is what creates that naturally flavorful “dressing.”
- Don't skip salting the pasta water — it's key for well-seasoned pasta.
- Add basil in two stages (some early, some at the end) for both infused flavor and freshness.
- Serve slightly cool or at room temperature for the best flavor — straight-from-the-fridge pasta salads taste muted.
- Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. A final pinch of salt or splash of balsamic can really wake it up.
How to Store
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it sits, so before serving leftovers, drizzle with a little olive oil or balsamic vinegar to freshen it up.
For the freshest flavor, add extra basil right before serving.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz bocconcini, (small fresh mozzarella balls)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons chopped basil, divided
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or bowtie pasta, fusilli, or cavatappi, etc.)
- Balsamic glaze, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, 2 tablespoons of the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until tomatoes and cheese are well coated. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Cook the pasta to al dente, according to package instructions, making sure you salt the water. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water.
- Add the pasta to the bowl of tomatoes and mozzarella. Stir until combined. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of basil. Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve.
Notes
- You can use grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.
- Orecchiette, rotini, fusilli, bowties, or cavatappi all work well.
- For extra flavor, let the tomato mixture marinate before adding the pasta.
- Add extra basil before serving for the freshest flavor.
- To make gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- The salad can be made several hours ahead of time.
- Refresh leftovers with olive oil or balsamic vinegar before serving.
- Add grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
- Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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Variations
- Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Stir in fresh arugula or spinach for more greens.
- Add grilled chicken or white beans for extra protein.
- Toss in pesto for a pesto Caprese pasta salad twist.
- Use tortellini instead of regular pasta.
- Add cucumber for extra crunch.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Use burrata instead of mozzarella for a richer version.
What to Serve with Caprese Pasta Salad
This pasta salad pairs beautifully with all your favorite summer mains. It works especially well with grilled, simple, and fresh dishes that let the flavors shine. Here are a few ideas.
- Honey Mustard Chicken
- Steak Kabobs
- Zucchini Parmesan Pasta
- Turkey Burgers
- Steak Sandwich or Chicken Caesar Wrap
- Watermelon Feta Salad