Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese pasta salad features al dente pasta, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella and basil tossed in balsamic vinaigrette. It’s quick, fresh and full of Italian flavor.

You might also like chicken Caprese pasta salad, sheet pan chicken Caprese, this tomato burrata salad, and Italian stuffed peppers.

Why You’ll Love It           

Quick to make: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time.
Great for gatherings: Perfect for potlucks, picnics or casual lunches.
Classic flavors: Combines everything you love about a Caprese salad with the appeal of pasta too.
Easy to prep ahead: Chilling enhances the flavor, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
Versatile: Serve it as a main, a side or even pack it for lunch.

Summer Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Farfalle pasta: A fun, bite-sized pasta that holds dressing well and looks great in salads.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness. Choose ripe tomatoes that are firm and just a little soft without being mushy.
Fresh mozzarella balls: Creamy and mild, they balance the acidity of the dressing. (You could try my marinated mozzarella pearls!)
Fresh basil leaves: Bring herbal brightness and classic Caprese flavor.
Balsamic vinaigrette: Adds tangy richness that ties the ingredients together.
Garlic: Boosts the savory depth of the vinaigrette.

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the pasta: Boil the farfalle until al dente, following the package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Cool and combine: Add cooled pasta to a large bowl and mix in cherry tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella.
Make the dressing: Whisk the crushed garlic, balsamic vinaigrette, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl.
Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for half an hour if liked, then garnish with fresh basil just before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta instead of whole wheat pasta and check the ingredients in your balsamic vinaigrette.
Use different pasta shapes: Penne, rotini, cavatappi, macaroni, or fusilli would work well.
Add protein: Try grilled chicken, shrimp or chickpeas for a heartier version.
Mozzarella cheese: Use burrata instead of fresh mozzarella cheese, or try something different like goat cheese.
Other salad dressings: Use extra virgin olive oil with a little balsamic dressing or balsamic glaze. You could try white balsamic vinegar for a tasty twist or even this whole lemon vinaigrette.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

With bread: Serve your cooked pasta Caprese salad with mushroom focaccia or soda bread.
With soup: Avgolemono (lemon soup) would pair well with Caprese pasta salad.
With protein: Make the dish heartier by pairing it with your preferred protein, such as Italian steak, oven-baked BBQ chicken thighs, or roasted chicken. Either serve the protein on the side or cut it up and mix it into the salad.

How to Store Pasta Salad

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: Don’t freeze this salad.