Pasta Salads

Caprese Pasta Salad

Name: Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) bow tie pasta; 2 cups (250g) cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced; 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp white wine vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

By Lucia Marchetti · June 18, 2026 · Pasta Salads

Prep20 min

Cook8 min

Total28 min

Serves4

I still remember the summer afternoons I spent at my grandmother's house, watching her prepare the simplest yet most delicious pasta salads. One of my favorites was her Caprese Pasta Salad, a classic Italian-American dish that combines the freshest ingredients of the season. The creamy mozzarella, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the brightness of the basil all come together to create a dish that's both comforting and refreshing.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with my grandmother's recipe, adding my own twist and flair to make it my own. Today, I'm excited to share my version of the Caprese Pasta Salad with you, a dish that's perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a picnic in the park. Whether you're a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking for a new recipe to try, this Caprese Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Plus, it's perfect for customizing to your tastes - add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or swap out the mozzarella for another type of cheese.

As we head into the warmer months, I find myself craving lighter, fresher meals that still pack plenty of flavor. This Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect solution, and I know you'll love it just as much as I do. So, let's get started and make some delicious Caprese Pasta Salad!

Whether you're a busy weeknight cook or a weekend entertainer, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It's easy to make ahead, and the leftovers are just as delicious as the first bite. So, go ahead and give it a try - I promise you won't be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, with just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills required.
It's perfect for customizing to your tastes, with endless possibilities for add-ins and substitutions.
The dish is both flavorful and refreshing, making it perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a picnic in the park.
It's a great way to use up fresh, seasonal ingredients and reduce food waste.
The leftovers are just as delicious as the first bite, making it a great recipe for meal prep or planning ahead.
It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving at parties or gatherings.
The recipe is budget-friendly and won't break the bank.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Caprese Pasta Salad is using the freshest ingredients possible. That means ripe, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves. By combining these ingredients with some cooked pasta and a simple vinaigrette, you'll create a dish that's both flavorful and refreshing.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the way the pasta is cooked. By cooking it al dente, you'll ensure that it still has a bit of bite and texture, which helps it hold up to the creamy cheese and tangy dressing. Plus, the starchy pasta water helps to create a silky, clinging sauce that coats every bite.

Finally, the way you assemble the salad is crucial. By tossing the pasta with the dressing and then adding the cheese, tomatoes, and basil, you'll create a dish that's both visually appealing and delicious. The key is to balance the flavors and textures, so that every bite is a perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and fresh.

By following these simple tips and using the freshest ingredients possible, you'll create a Caprese Pasta Salad that's sure to impress your family and friends. So, go ahead and give it a try - I promise you'll love it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great Caprese Pasta Salad, the ingredients are everything. You'll want to use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find, from the pasta to the cheese to the tomatoes and basil. Here are the ingredients you'll need to get started:

Be sure to choose ingredients that are in season and at their peak freshness. This will ensure that your salad is bursting with flavor and color. Also, consider shopping at local farmers' markets or specialty food stores to find the best ingredients possible.

8 oz (225g) bow tie pastaI like to use bow tie pasta for this recipe because it's easy to toss with the dressing and holds onto the cheese and tomatoes nicely. You can also use other shapes, such as penne or fusilli, if you prefer.
2 cups (250g) cherry tomatoes, halvedFresh, ripe cherry tomatoes are essential for this recipe. Look for ones that are heavy for their size and have a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, slicedFresh mozzarella is a must for this recipe. It has a creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and basil. Look for it in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store.
1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves, choppedFresh basil is a key ingredient in this recipe, adding a bright, herbaceous flavor to the salad. Look for leaves that are fragrant and have a slightly spicy flavor.
2 tbsp olive oilA good-quality olive oil is essential for this recipe, as it adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dressing. Look for one that is cold-pressed and has a mild, smooth flavor.
2 tbsp white wine vinegarWhite wine vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dressing. You can also use other types of vinegar, such as balsamic or apple cider, if you prefer.
1 tsp Dijon mustardDijon mustard adds a spicy, tangy flavor to the dressing. Look for a high-quality mustard that is made with whole grains and has a smooth, creamy texture.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors in this recipe. Use them sparingly, as you can always add more but it's harder to remove excess salt and pepper.
1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the salad. Look for a high-quality cheese that is aged for at least 24 months and has a smooth, crumbly texture.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad. Look for leaves that are curly and have a mild, slightly bitter flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the dressing. Look for cloves that are firm and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
1 tsp dried oreganoDried oregano adds a earthy, slightly bitter flavor to the dressing. Look for a high-quality herb that is dried naturally and has a potent, aromatic flavor.
1/2 tsp red pepper flakesRed pepper flakes add a spicy, smoky flavor to the dressing. Use them sparingly, as they can be quite potent.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot for cooking pastaColander for draining pastaLarge bowl for tossing saladWhisk for mixing dressingMeasuring cups and spoonsCheese grater for grating ParmesanKnife for chopping herbs and garlic

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3
Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the dressing and whisk until well combined.
4
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss until the pasta is well coated.
5
Add the sliced mozzarella cheese to the bowl and toss until the cheese is evenly distributed.
6
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl and toss until the tomatoes are evenly distributed.
7
Add the chopped fresh basil and parsley to the bowl and toss until the herbs are evenly distributed.
8
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad and toss until the cheese is evenly distributed.
9
Add some of the reserved pasta water to the bowl if the salad seems too dry and toss until the salad is well coated.
10
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
11
Garnish with additional basil leaves and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
12
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 24 hours. Give the salad a good toss before serving.

Expert Tips

Use the freshest ingredients possible, including ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese.
Don't overcook the pasta - it should still have a bit of bite and texture.
Use a high-quality olive oil and vinegar for the dressing, as they will add a rich, fruity flavor to the salad.
Add the cheese and herbs to the salad just before serving, as they can become soggy and lose their flavor if they sit for too long.
Use a variety of cherry tomatoes, such as yellow and red, for a colorful and flavorful salad.
Consider adding some protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the salad more substantial.
Make the salad ahead of time and refrigerate it until serving, but give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Add some crusty bread, such as baguette slices or crostini, to the salad for a satisfying crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using the freshest ingredients, which can result in a lackluster flavor and texture.
Adding too much dressing, which can make the salad soggy and overwhelming.
Not seasoning the salad with salt and pepper, which can result in a bland flavor.
Not tossing the salad well, which can result in a uneven distribution of ingredients.
Not adding the cheese and herbs just before serving, which can result in a soggy and flavorless salad.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some sliced grilled chicken or shrimp to make the salad more substantial.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor.
Add some chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and flavor.
Use different types of herbs, such as oregano or thyme, for a different flavor profile.
Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as pine nuts or pumpkin seeds, for a satisfying crunch.
Use a different type of vinegar, such as balsamic or apple cider, for a unique flavor.
Add some diced avocado for a creamy and rich texture.

What to Serve With Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese Pasta Salad is perfect for serving as a light and refreshing lunch or dinner. You can serve it on its own or paired with some crusty bread and a green salad. Consider adding some protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the salad more substantial.

Some other ideas for serving the salad include:

Serve with crusty bread, such as baguette slices or crostini, for a satisfying crunch.Pair with a green salad, such as a simple mixed green salad or a more substantial grain salad.Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.Serve as a side dish, such as at a picnic or barbecue.Pair with a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade.Serve as a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Caprese Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving. Give the salad a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

If you want to freeze the salad, you can do so by placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag and storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the salad in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good toss before serving.

To reheat the salad, simply place it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Some tips for storing and reheating the salad include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Bow tie pasta is a great choice for this recipe, but you can also use other shapes, such as penne or fusilli. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it still has a bit of bite and texture.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well and has a mild flavor.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?

To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, be sure to add the cheese and herbs just before serving. You can also add some crusty bread, such as baguette slices or crostini, to the salad for a satisfying crunch.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving. Give the salad a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

How do I reheat the salad?

To reheat the salad, simply place it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Can I freeze the salad?

Yes, you can freeze the salad by placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag and storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the salad in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good toss before serving.

What are some variations I can try?

Some variations you can try include adding some sliced grilled chicken or shrimp, using different types of cheese, or adding some chopped bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use different types of herbs, such as oregano or thyme, for a different flavor profile.

Can I serve this salad as a main course?

Yes, you can serve this salad as a main course, especially if you add some protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp. Simply pair it with some crusty bread and a green salad for a satisfying meal.

The Full Recipe

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