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Caprese Pasta Salad is a simple, flavor packed twist on a classic caprese salad. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and bright, fresh Italian flavors turned into a hearty, satisfying summer side dish with tender pasta.

This is the kind of recipe that works for just about everything: summer cookouts, a quick weeknight dinner, potlucks, or a last-minute side for your next gathering.

It’s light enough for a hot summer day, but still filling enough to stand on its own. It’s easy to make ahead of time because the longer a pasta salad sits, the more the flavors meld, and the better it tastes!

Pasta salads are one of my favorite things to pack for picnics because they pack easily and hold up well in a cooler. For more pasta salad recipes, try Bow Tie Pasta Salad, Italian Pasta Salad or Spaghetti Noodle Pasta Salad.

Why you’ll love this Caprese Pasta Salad recipe

• Made with fresh ingredients
• Quick and easy (perfect for quick weeknight dinners)
• A simple side dish for grilling season
• Great for meal prep
• Kid-friendly and easy to customize
• Delicious served cold or at room temperature

Ingredients

• Short shaped pasta (rotini or gemelli work well)
• Grape tomatoes or juicy cherry tomatoes
• Mozzarella balls or mozzarella pearls
• Italian dressing
• Packet Italian dressing seasoning mix (I use this one)
• Fresh basil
• Salt

How to make Caprese Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook about 8 ounces short shaped pasta (rotini or gemelli work well). Cook until al dente (tender but still with a slight bite). Drain and set aside.

Prep the ingredients – While the pasta cools, slice 1 cup grape tomatoes and 1 cup of mozzarella balls in half. Note: If using mozzarella pearls, you can leave them as-is.

Combine in a large bowl – Add the cooled pasta to a large bowl, then toss in the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

Add the dressing – Pour in about 1/4 cup Italian dressing, sprinkle in 1/2 packet Italian seasoning mix, and 1/4 t salt. Toss everything together until well coated.

Add fresh basil – Chop a handful of fresh basil and fold it into the salad. This is what really gives it that fresh flavor and ties everything together like a classic caprese. Tip: If serving the pasta salad at a later time, hold off adding the basil until you are ready to serve it so that basil stays fresh and does not wilt.

Chill or serve – You can serve this right away, but it’s even better after chilling for 30 minutes so the flavors can soak into the pasta.

Helpful tips for the best pasta salad

• Don’t overcook the pasta: al dente is key for texture
• Let it cool completely before adding dressing
• Use fresh mozzarella for that creamy texture
• Add fresh basil last so it stays bright and flavorful
• Taste before serving: you may want an extra splash of dressing or some extra salt

Leftover Storage

Fridge:

Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days, in an airtight container to keep fresh.

Tip: Before serving again, give it a quick toss and add a little extra salad dressing if it looks dry.

Easy variations

Want to mix it up? Try these ideas:

• Add grilled chicken for a protein boost
• Toss in red onion for an extra flavor kick
• Add a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor
• Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze for a touch of sweeness

FAQ’s

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