Caprese Pasta Salad Delight

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

This Caprese-inspired pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals. Featuring tender farfalle pasta, juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of lemon juice, it balances bright and savory flavors beautifully. Quick to prepare, taking just 25 minutes total, it's an easy yet impressive option ideal for vegetarians and those who love Italian cuisine. Serve it as a light main course or a side dish at your next dinner or picnic.

Fatiha
Updated on Wed, 25 Jun 2025 02:31:59 GMT
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes and cheese. | zestplate.com

This classic Caprese pasta salad transforms the beloved Italian appetizer into a substantial dish perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil creates a light yet satisfying meal that celebrates simple, quality ingredients.

I first made this pasta salad for an impromptu backyard dinner with neighbors and it has since become my signature contribution to summer potlucks. The combination of warm weather and these vibrant Mediterranean flavors always reminds me of alfresco dining in Tuscany.

Ingredients

  • Fresh mozzarella pearls: Offer the perfect creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Look for high-quality pearls packed in water for the best taste.
  • Grape tomatoes: Provide sweet juicy bursts of flavor throughout the salad. Choose firm bright red tomatoes for optimal sweetness.
  • Fresh basil: Adds the distinctive aromatic quality that defines Caprese dishes. Use only fresh leaves never dried for this recipe.
  • Farfalle pasta: Holds the dressing well with its bow tie shape creating the perfect bite. The texture stands up well to the other ingredients.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the vinaigrette adding richness and authentic Italian flavor. Select a good quality olive oil as it significantly impacts the final taste.
  • Balsamic vinegar: Brings tangy sweetness that balances the dish. Opt for aged balsamic for deeper flavor notes.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire salad with its citrus notes. Always use freshly squeezed for the cleanest flavor.

How To Make Caprese Pasta Salad

Prepare the vinaigrette:
Combine olive oil balsamic vinegar lemon juice minced garlic Italian seasoning salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened about 30 seconds. The emulsification process creates a dressing that will cling perfectly to the pasta and vegetables. Set aside to allow flavors to meld while preparing the other components.
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil then add a generous tablespoon of salt. The water should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta from within. Add farfalle and cook according to package directions until just al dente usually 9 to 11 minutes. Test a piece by biting into it there should be a slight firmness at the center. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water stopping the cooking process and cooling the pasta completely.
Assemble the salad:
In a large mixing bowl combine the cooled pasta mozzarella pearls halved tomatoes and sliced basil. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the ingredients starting with about threequarters of the dressing. Gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula to avoid breaking the mozzarella or crushing the tomatoes. The pasta should be evenly coated but not swimming in dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning adding more salt pepper or additional dressing as needed.
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes and cheese. | zestplate.com

The basil is what truly makes this dish special for me. I grow several varieties in my garden each summer and nothing compares to the aroma of freshly harvested basil leaves being sliced for this salad. It instantly transports me to my grandmother's kitchen in southern Italy where she would prepare similar dishes using produce from her garden.

Storage Tips

This pasta salad will keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a few hours as the ingredients have time to mingle. If making ahead reserve some of the dressing and a handful of fresh basil to add just before serving to brighten the flavors. The pasta tends to absorb the dressing over time so this refresh keeps it from becoming dry.

Customization Options

While traditional Caprese focuses on tomatoes mozzarella and basil this pasta salad welcomes thoughtful additions. Consider adding diced cucumber for extra crunch pine nuts for nuttiness or sliced olives for a briny element. For a protein boost grilled chicken or white beans work beautifully. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes penne and rotini both hold dressing well and provide interesting texture variations.

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with tomatoes and cheese. | zestplate.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this versatile salad slightly chilled but not cold to best appreciate the flavors. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats especially chicken or fish. For a complete Mediterranean spread offer it alongside bruschetta crusty Italian bread and a selection of antipasti. While traditionally a side dish this salad can easily become a light main course perfect for lunch or a warm evening when heavy meals feel overwhelming.

Cultural Context

The Caprese combination originating from the Isle of Capri represents the colors of the Italian flag red tomatoes white mozzarella and green basil. This pasta adaptation maintains those patriotic roots while creating a more substantial dish. In Italy simple food celebrates quality ingredients rather than complex techniques. This philosophy shines through in this dish where each component should be the best you can find especially during summer when tomatoes and basil are at their peak.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How should I store the pasta salad?

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss gently before serving.

→ Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?

Yes, the vinaigrette can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Keep it in a sealed jar and refrigerate. Shake well before using.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Farfalle is suggested, but fusilli, penne, or any other small pasta shape would work well for this dish.

→ What can I substitute for mozzarella?

If you don't have mozzarella, you can use diced fresh burrata, bocconcini, or even crumbled feta for a different flavor profile.

→ What dishes pair well with this pasta salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or hearty bread for a complete meal. It also complements other light salads or antipasti.

Caprese Pasta Basil Tomato

A vibrant twist with mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, and tangy vinaigrette—a refreshing delight.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (One salad bowl)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Vinaigrette Dressing

01 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
02 60 ml balsamic vinegar
03 30–45 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
04 1 clove garlic, finely minced
05 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
07 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Caprese Pasta Salad

08 225 g dried farfalle pasta, or other small pasta
09 225 g mozzarella pearls or fresh mozzarella, diced
10 2 cups (approx. 300 g) grape tomatoes, halved
11 15 g fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
12 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or sealable jar until emulsified. Set aside.

Step 02

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water to cool and prevent overcooking.

Step 03

Combine the cooled pasta, halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and sliced basil in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with prepared vinaigrette and toss gently until all components are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as required.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or sealable jar
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (mozzarella)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 452
  • Total Fat: 22.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein: 12 g