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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Caprese Pasta Salad comes together in just about 20 minutes.
• It’s very quick and easy to make, but loaded with flavor.
• You only need a few simple ingredients.
• Totally customizable by using your favorite pasta shape or adding in a source of protein.
• Topped with balsamic glaze for a week and savory taste.
• Great for a summer barbecue, pot luck or birthday party.
• If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my healthy Italian Pasta Salad.

Ingredients And Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for Caprese Pasta Salad. Scroll down to the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.

I used cascatelli pasta for this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape in replace. When picking a noodle, opt for one that is bigger and can hold onto the dressing more, for example, penne, bow tie, fusilli or shells.

Marinated mozzarella balls are going to add a ton of flavor to this recipe, although regular plain mozzarella balls will still work great!

Use fresh basil instead of dried basil, this will not only add to the overall flavor of the dish, but presentation as well.

Cherry tomatoes add a great texture and flavor, although, I can see any type of tomato working here.

The dressing is simple, a high quality extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

Once the salad is tossed together, drizzle some balsamic glaze over before serving.

How To Make

ONE: Prepare pasta on the stovetop according to package, drain, rinse and set aside.

TWO: Once your pasta is cooked and cooled add it to a bowl and add on the mozzarella balls, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced basil.

THREE: In a separate bowl, add in the EVOO, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and whisk until combined. Pour dressing over salad, toss and enjoy!

FOUR: Serve your pasta salad with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a more full bodied flavor profile.

Tips And Tricks

Use a pasta shape that is small and thick such as cascatelli pasta, penne, bow tie, fusilli or shells. This is going to work better in this recipe by holding onto the dressing and adding more flavor + texture.

Marinated mozzarella balls are going to add much more flavor, but plain will work just as good.

Use an electric whisk to really combine all the ingredients together, or place them in a salad jar with a lid and shake vigorously.

Only add dressing to what you will be serving that day, otherwise, wait to add the dressing so the salad doesn’t get soggy. The dressing is good on the pasta up to 24 hours, after that it will start to taste soggy.

Enjoy with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a more full bodied pasta salad.

How To Serve And Store

Serve this Caprese Pasta Salad cold and with the balsamic vinegar dressing. To take this salad to the next level, serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy up to 3-4 days.

Only add dressing to what you will be enjoying, this salad taste good marinated in the dressing up to 24 hours. Otherwise, if saving all week, store dressing separately.

Taste And Texture

This Caprese Pasta Salad is tangy and savory.

The texture is chewy, and well balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Recipes You May Like

• Healthy Italian Pasta Salad
• Pearled Couscous Salad
• Spicy Vodka Pasta
• Roasted Red Bell Pepper Pasta
• Charcuterie Skewers

If you make these Caprese Pasta Salad, I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tiktok or Pinterest!