Pasta Salads

Pasta Caprese Salad

Name: Pasta Caprese Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice; 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese; 1 pint (280g) cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves; 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil; 2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juice; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese

By Vera Northcote · June 19, 2026 · Pasta Salads

Prep20 min

Cook10 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the summers I spent at my grandmother's house, where she would cook up the most delicious Italian dishes for our family gatherings. One of my favorite dishes was her Pasta Caprese Salad, a simple yet flavorful recipe that combined the freshness of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with the comfort of pasta.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate the beauty of this recipe, which lies in its ability to balance flavors and textures. The creamy mozzarella, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the brightness of the basil all come together to create a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Today, I want to share this recipe with you, so you can enjoy it with your own family and friends. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, Pasta Caprese Salad is a great choice. It's also a very versatile recipe, as you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients or using different types of pasta.

In this recipe, we'll use fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, which are the traditional ingredients of a Caprese salad. We'll also add some pasta to make it more filling and satisfying. I'll guide you through each step of the recipe, from cooking the pasta to assembling the salad, so you can create a delicious and authentic Pasta Caprese Salad in the comfort of your own home.

So, let's get started and make some delicious Pasta Caprese Salad! This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Italian food and wants to try a new and exciting dish. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll be able to create a mouth-watering Pasta Caprese Salad that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home
The salad is very versatile and can be customized to your taste
It's a perfect dish for a quick and satisfying dinner
It's also a great option for a potluck or a picnic
The recipe is very forgiving, so you can adjust the ingredients to your liking
It's a delicious and healthy meal option that is perfect for any time of the year

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Pasta Caprese Salad is the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy mozzarella, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the brightness of the basil all come together to create a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. To achieve this balance, it's essential to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella and basil, and to cook the pasta al dente.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the dressing. We'll use a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt, which will enhance the flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them. The acidity of the lemon juice will also help to bring out the brightness of the basil and the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Finally, the way we assemble the salad is crucial. We'll start by cooking the pasta, then we'll chop the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. We'll combine all the ingredients in a bowl and drizzle the vinaigrette over the top. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and create a delicious and harmonious salad.

By following these steps and using high-quality ingredients, you'll be able to create a Pasta Caprese Salad that is both delicious and authentic. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Italian food and wants to try a new and exciting dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Pasta Caprese Salad, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important ones are the pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. You'll also need some olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to make the vinaigrette. Let's take a look at each ingredient and why it's essential to the recipe.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose the freshest mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil you can find. The quality of these ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish. You can find these ingredients at most supermarkets or Italian markets.

8 oz (225g) pasta of your choiceChoose a pasta shape that holds onto the sauce well, such as penne or fusilli. You can also use other shapes like spaghetti or linguine if you prefer.
8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheeseLook for high-quality mozzarella that is made from whole milk and has a creamy texture. You can also use buffalo mozzarella for a more authentic flavor.
1 pint (280g) cherry tomatoesChoose cherry tomatoes that are ripe and have a sweet flavor. You can also use other types of tomatoes, such as grape or plum tomatoes, if you prefer.
1/4 cup (15g) fresh basil leavesChoose fresh basil leaves that have a bright green color and a fragrant aroma. You can also use dried basil if you don't have fresh basil available.
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oilChoose a high-quality olive oil that has a rich flavor and a smooth texture. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juiceChoose fresh lemon juice that is made from real lemons and has a bright flavor. You can also use bottled lemon juice if you don't have fresh lemons available.
1 tsp (5g) saltChoose a high-quality salt that has a rich flavor and a smooth texture. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, if you prefer.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperChoose a high-quality black pepper that has a sharp flavor and a smooth texture. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white pepper or green pepper, if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsleyChoose fresh parsley that has a bright green color and a fragrant aroma. You can also use dried parsley if you don't have fresh parsley available.
1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseChoose a high-quality Parmesan cheese that has a rich flavor and a smooth texture. You can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot with a heavy bottomColander or strainerCutting boardSharp knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Pasta Caprese Salad

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you are using.
2
While the pasta is cooking, chop the mozzarella cheese into small pieces and place them in a bowl. You can also slice the cheese into thin rounds if you prefer.
3
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a separate bowl. You can also use other types of tomatoes, such as grape or plum tomatoes, if you prefer.
4
Chop the fresh basil leaves into small pieces and place them in a bowl. You can also use dried basil if you don't have fresh basil available.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette. You can also add other ingredients, such as garlic or herbs, to the vinaigrette if you prefer.
6
When the pasta is done cooking, drain it in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
7
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. You can also add other ingredients, such as chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, to the salad if you prefer.
8
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. You can also add other ingredients, such as cooked chicken or shrimp, to the salad if you prefer.
9
Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10
Just before serving, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad and toss everything together until the cheese is well combined.
11
Serve the Pasta Caprese Salad chilled, garnished with chopped parsley or basil leaves if desired. You can also serve the salad at room temperature if you prefer.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella and basil, to make the best Pasta Caprese Salad.
Don't overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and unappetizing. Cook it until it is al dente, then rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add other ingredients, such as cooked chicken or shrimp, to the salad to make it more substantial.
Use a variety of cherry tomatoes, such as red, yellow, and orange, to add color and flavor to the salad.
Make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Add some chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves to the salad just before serving to add freshness and flavor.
Use a high-quality olive oil that has a rich flavor and a smooth texture to make the best vinaigrette.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella and basil, which can affect the flavor and texture of the salad.
Not letting the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving, which can prevent the flavors from melding together.
Adding too much vinaigrette, which can make the salad soggy and unappetizing.
Not seasoning the salad with salt and black pepper, which can affect the flavor of the dish.
Not using a variety of cherry tomatoes, which can add color and flavor to the salad.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some cooked chicken or shrimp to the salad to make it more substantial.
Use a variety of cherry tomatoes, such as red, yellow, and orange, to add color and flavor to the salad.
Add some chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves to the salad just before serving to add freshness and flavor.
Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to add flavor and texture to the salad.
Add some chopped bell peppers or cucumbers to the salad to add crunch and flavor.
Use a different type of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, to change the texture of the salad.
Make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

What to Serve With Pasta Caprese Salad

Pasta Caprese Salad is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch. You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, depending on your preferences. The salad is also a great option for a potluck or a picnic, as it is easy to transport and can be served at room temperature.

Some ideas for serving Pasta Caprese Salad include serving it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad, or using it as a topping for a bed of mixed greens. You can also add some protein, such as cooked chicken or shrimp, to make the salad more substantial.

Serve Pasta Caprese Salad with a side of garlic breadUse Pasta Caprese Salad as a topping for a bed of mixed greensAdd some protein, such as cooked chicken or shrimp, to make the salad more substantialServe Pasta Caprese Salad at room temperature for a potluck or picnicAdd some chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves to the salad just before serving to add freshness and flavor

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Pasta Caprese Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, which makes it a great option for a make-ahead meal. To store the salad, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve.

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. To thaw the salad, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight and serve it the next day.

When reheating the salad, you can do so by placing it in the microwave for a few seconds or by serving it at room temperature. You can also add some fresh ingredients, such as chopped parsley or basil leaves, to the salad just before serving to add freshness and flavor.

Some tips for storing and reheating Pasta Caprese Salad include using a high-quality container or freezer bag to prevent the salad from becoming soggy or unappetizing. You can also add some lemon juice or vinegar to the salad to prevent it from becoming too dry or bland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for Pasta Caprese Salad?

The best type of pasta for Pasta Caprese Salad is a short, sturdy shape that can hold onto the sauce well, such as penne or fusilli.

Can I use other types of cheese in Pasta Caprese Salad?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese in Pasta Caprese Salad, such as mozzarella or ricotta. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cheese may affect the overall dish.

How long can I store Pasta Caprese Salad in the refrigerator?

Pasta Caprese Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it's best to serve it fresh, as the flavors and textures may degrade over time.

Can I freeze Pasta Caprese Salad?

Yes, you can freeze Pasta Caprese Salad. To do so, place the salad in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw the salad, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight and serve it the next day.

What are some variations I can make to Pasta Caprese Salad?

Some variations you can make to Pasta Caprese Salad include adding cooked chicken or shrimp, using different types of cheese, or adding other ingredients, such as chopped bell peppers or cucumbers.

Can I serve Pasta Caprese Salad at room temperature?

Yes, you can serve Pasta Caprese Salad at room temperature. In fact, this is a great option for a potluck or picnic, as the salad can be easily transported and served at room temperature.

How do I reheat Pasta Caprese Salad?

To reheat Pasta Caprese Salad, you can place it in the microwave for a few seconds or serve it at room temperature. You can also add some fresh ingredients, such as chopped parsley or basil leaves, to the salad just before serving to add freshness and flavor.

Can I make Pasta Caprese Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Pasta Caprese Salad ahead of time. In fact, this is a great option for a make-ahead meal, as the salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card