Name: Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound small pasta (e.g., fusilli, orecchiette, or penne); 16 ounces mozzarella balls (such as ciliegine or pearls), halved; 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water; 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed

If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts satisfying, refreshing, and outrageously creamy, look no further than this Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad. With juicy bursts of tomato, luscious pearls of mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a tangy balsamic dressing that clings to every curve of the pasta, this recipe brings together everything to love about the classic Caprese — but in a way that will have everyone circling back for seconds. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic or a quick weeknight dinner, this bright, Italian-inspired pasta salad checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and pure comfort.

Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of vibrant ingredients, Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad manages to deliver big on flavor and color. Each component plays an essential role — from the chewy pasta base to the creamy mozzarella and the zing of fresh basil — turning simple groceries into magic. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some quick tips to elevate every bite.

Pasta: Small shapes like fusilli, orecchiette, or penne are perfect for catching all the flavors and ensuring each forkful is full of goodies.
Mozzarella balls: Ciliegine or pearls add that classic Caprese creaminess in every bite; slice them in half for the best mouthfeel.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness brighten up the salad and pair perfectly with the mozzarella.
Fresh basil: Don’t skip this! Thinly sliced basil brings fragrance and true Italian flair with its vibrant green aroma.
Extra virgin olive oil: Use your best bottle; it’s the backbone of the creamy, silky dressing.
White balsamic vinegar: Milder and slightly sweeter than regular balsamic, it adds tang without overpowering the creamy ingredients.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the dressing.
Black pepper: Freshly ground gives a subtle kick that ties the salad together.
Garlic: Just one clove, minced or pressed, infuses the dressing with a gentle, savory depth.

How to Make Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of water to a boil. Make sure to season the water generously with kosher salt — this is your only opportunity to work flavor into the pasta itself! Cook the pasta just until it’s perfectly al dente, then drain and rinse it lightly with cold water. This not only stops the cooking but also keeps the pasta from sticking together while you prep the other salad ingredients.

Step 2: Prep the Caprese Components

While your pasta cools, get your mozzarella and tomatoes ready. Drain the mozzarella balls and slice each one in half for ideal bite-size pieces. Slice all of the cherry tomatoes in half, too. Toss these beauties into a large mixing bowl and get ready for a color explosion!

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Cheese, Tomatoes, and Basil

Once your pasta is completely cooled, add it right into the bowl with your mozzarella and tomatoes. Next, sprinkle in all that fresh, thinly sliced basil. Gently toss everything together so the flavors start mingling and you get gorgeous pops of red, white, and green in every scoop.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad Dressing

In a smaller bowl or a mason jar with a lid, combine your extra virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, a minced garlic clove, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk or shake the dressing until it’s totally emulsified and creamy. This silky mixture is what takes this pasta salad from good to absolutely dreamy.

Step 5: Toss and Let the Flavors Meld

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring everything gets coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (a bit more salt is rarely a bad idea here). For ultimate flavor, let your Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad sit for about 30 minutes before serving — this gives the basil, cheese, and tomatoes a chance to absorb all that luscious dressing.

How to Serve Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A scattering of extra fresh basil is always a winning move, but don’t be afraid to add another drizzle of olive oil or a crack of fresh black pepper just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some toasted pine nuts on top can add a lovely crunch.

Side Dishes

Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is absolutely delightful alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a simple steak for a summery meal. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, fresh green salads, or a basket of crusty bread for soaking up any extra dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta salad piled high in a big, colorful bowl for family-style gatherings, or portion it into individual mason jars for picnics and outdoor parties. You can even pile it onto a bed of baby arugula or spinach for extra greens — it’s versatile enough for any setting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or a quick snack straight from the fridge.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, as the mozzarella and tomatoes can lose their wonderful texture after thawing. Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a couple days of making.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating required! If you’d like to take the chill off, simply let it sit at room temp for about 15 minutes before serving for the flavors to open up even more.

FAQs

Can I use a different vinegar if I don’t have white balsamic?

Absolutely! While white balsamic brings a mellow sweetness and lovely color, you can substitute with regular balsamic vinegar or even red wine vinegar. Just start with a little less, as these can be a bit more pungent.

What kind of pasta works best for Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad?

Short, sturdy shapes like fusilli, penne, or orecchiette trap the dressing and small bits of basil and cheese, offering the perfect bite every time. Avoid long pastas as they won’t mix as evenly with the toppings.

Can I make Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, and in fact, it tastes even better after it sits for a bit! You can prep everything up to a day in advance, just keep it covered in the fridge. Give it a gentle toss and add a little extra basil before serving to refresh the flavors.

Is this salad vegetarian and can I make it gluten free?

Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is naturally vegetarian, and you can easily make it gluten free by swapping in your favorite gluten free pasta. Just cook the pasta according to the package directions, and you’re good to go.

What’s the best way to transport this salad for a picnic or potluck?

Pack the salad in a large sealed container and bring the dressing in a separate jar if you want to keep everything ultra-fresh. Just before serving, add the dressing and a little fresh basil, then toss to combine. It travels beautifully!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about a recipe that looks gorgeous, tastes even better, and is a breeze to pull together. If you love big Italian flavors and want a dish that wows every time, Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is your new go-to. I hope you’ll try it soon and share it with the people you love — it’s truly a salad that never fails to disappear fast!