Caprese Pasta Salad

With the classic combination of ripe red tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil, this easy Caprese pasta salad is the recipe you’re going to want to make (and share!) all summer long. You can pull it together in a pinch for a picnic or potluck, or prep it in advance to enjoy for a quick lunch all week.

What is a Caprese salad?

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A Caprese salad, or insalata Caprese in Italian, is made of layers of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes and basil leaves, all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It is typically served at the height of summer when tomatoes are most flavorful and juicy. Our recipe adds pasta to the mix, making it a heartier side dish or perfect summertime meal.

Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients

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• Heirloom tomatoes: Tender and juicy, heirloom tomatoes are known for their delicious flavor and color profiles.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: This recipe calls for the fresh log-style mozzarella, but bite-size bocconcini (Italian for “small mouthfuls”) or mozzarella pearls would also work.
• Basil leaves: Fresh basil adds a vibrant pop of green and an aromatic sweet-spicy flavor to the salad. Fresh really is best; do not substitute dried basil.
• Lemon vinaigrette: This dressing adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the salad.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer pasta to a large bowl.

Step 2: Stir the salad

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Gently stir in the tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil.

Step 3: Dress the salad

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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, garlic, sugar, salt, lemon zest and pepper. Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad, and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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Editor’s Tip: Olive oil is a key flavor in the vinaigrette, so use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Use this guide on real versus fake olive oil to help find the best olive oil.

Caprese Pasta Salad Variations

• Add protein: To make this Caprese pasta salad a full meal, top it with grilled chicken breast or grilled salmon.
• Give it a Mediterranean spin: Stir in baby spinach, halved kalamata olives and garbanzo beans for an additional Mediterranean twist.
• Use stuffed pasta: Replace the penne pasta with cheese tortellini or another filled pasta.
• Add charcuterie: Mix in diced pancetta, pepperoni or salami for an additional umami flavor.

Can you make Caprese pasta salad ahead of time?

Caprese pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored, covered, in the fridge. For best results, use it within three to four days. Just wait to add the basil until you’re ready to serve so it doesn’t wilt.

Caprese Pasta Salad Tips

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What can you serve with Caprese pasta salad?

Caprese pasta salad is the ultimate go-to side for summer! Serve with grilled sausages, balsamic chicken or herbed pork chops.

What pasta shape is best for Caprese pasta salad?

Pasta shapes with some texture (ridges, nooks and crannies) are best in this recipe—think rigatoni, farfalle and rotini. Can’t distinguish between a fusilli and a farfalle? Check out this ultimate guide to pasta shapes.

What kind of tomatoes should I use for Caprese pasta salad?

Heirloom tomatoes picked at the height of summer are ideal in this recipe. Vine-ripened tomatoes, grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes would also work well; halve or quarter them to make bite-sized pieces.