Caprese Pasta Salad brings together the essence of summer in every bite—ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant basil pesto all twirled through tender pasta. It’s the kind of salad that feels like sunshine on a plate, perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or a quick light dinner.

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Inspired by the classic Italian Caprese combination, this salad transforms humble ingredients into a bold, flavorful dish with minimal effort. Freshness is key here, from the juicy tomatoes to the aromatic basil. It’s colorful, wholesome, and irresistibly good.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short pasta works best—think rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Their curves and ridges cling to the pesto, letting each bite soak up all that herby flavor. Avoid long noodles, which don’t distribute the ingredients as evenly. Whole wheat or gluten-free versions work well too, just adjust cook time accordingly.

Ingredients for the Caprese Pasta Salad

Rotini Pasta
Its spiral shape traps the pesto and other flavors beautifully.

Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh and juicy, they add sweetness and color contrast.

Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine)
Soft, creamy texture and mild flavor make them perfect for balance.

Basil Pesto
This is the flavor powerhouse—herby, garlicky, and nutty.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Enhances the pesto and adds a silky finish.

Salt & Pepper
Just a pinch to elevate all the fresh ingredients.

Fresh Basil Leaves (optional garnish)
For a fragrant finish and visual pop.

How To Make the Caprese Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and drain the mozzarella balls. If your pesto is very thick, you can loosen it with a splash of olive oil.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the pesto until evenly coated. Then add the tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Gently mix to combine without smashing the cheese.

Step 4: Final Touches

Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve and Store Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for make-ahead meals and gatherings. Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it as a light main course on its own. A squeeze of lemon or balsamic glaze right before serving can add an extra layer of brightness.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If the salad seems a bit dry after chilling, stir in a touch more pesto or olive oil to refresh it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can make it up to a day ahead. Just give it a quick stir and refresh with a little olive oil or pesto before serving.

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes! Feta or small cubes of provolone would work well, though they bring a stronger flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh basil for garnish?

No problem. The pesto provides enough basil flavor, but you can substitute with parsley or just skip the garnish.

Is this salad suitable for picnics?

Absolutely. It travels well and doesn’t need to be kept piping hot or ice-cold, making it picnic-perfect.

Can I use homemade pesto?

Definitely! Homemade pesto makes the flavor even fresher and allows you to adjust garlic or nut levels to your taste.

How can I make it more filling?

Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even avocado to make it more substantial.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

You might also like the California Spaghetti Salad, a colorful and crunchy option packed with veggies and Italian dressing. For something hearty, try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta—a filling choice for meat lovers.

If you’re craving more comforting bowls, check out the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for a spicy, saucy kick. Or dive into the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for rich, savory flavor in every bite.

For a vegetarian twist, the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole makes a creamy, spoonable alternative that still satisfies.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your salad or pasta boards for future inspiration. Just hit the Pin button.

If you give it a try, I’d love to know how it turned out for you. Did you swap in another cheese? Use sun-dried tomatoes? Leave a comment and share your take—I always enjoy seeing your kitchen creativity.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6

Print Recipe

Description

A light, fresh, and colorful pasta salad that blends classic Caprese flavors with the ease of a one-bowl pasta dish. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and herby pesto make this a go-to for quick meals, picnics, or potlucks.

Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta

1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained

1/3 cup basil pesto

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Halve cherry tomatoes and drain mozzarella balls.
In a large bowl, combine pasta with pesto. Mix until evenly coated.
Add tomatoes and mozzarella. Gently toss.
Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner