Name: Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounce box Bow-tie or farfalle pasta (medium size #66), cooked and drained; 8 ounce package of fresh mozzarella pearls (mini mozzarella balls); 2 cups (1 ½ pints) of grape tomatoes, cut in half; 1 small bunch of fresh basil, chopped and divided; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; ⅛ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons grated garlic (about 2 cloves); 0.6 ounce packet of Italian seasoning dressing mix; ½ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey

There’s something incredibly fresh and vibrant about the combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil in this **Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe**. It’s a summer favorite that feels both light and indulgent, perfect for a picnic or a quick weeknight dinner.

The image shows a close-up of a pasta salad featuring bowtie-shaped pasta as the main layer, cooked to a light yellow color with a slightly shiny texture. Mixed in throughout are bright red cherry tomatoes, some halved to show their seeds, adding vibrant color. Small white balls of mozzarella cheese are scattered evenly, creating a soft, smooth texture contrast. Finely chopped green basil leaves are sprinkled on top, adding fresh green touches across the dish. The pasta and ingredients are inside a white bowl with a subtle shine, resting on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon sits in the bowl, lifting some pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella, highlighting the colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that always gets compliments and disappears fast! It’s simple but packed with flavor, and it’s incredibly forgiving – which makes it perfect for cooks of all levels.

Fresh Ingredients: The blend of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil creates a bright, authentic taste.
Simple Prep: It only takes a few ingredients and a bit of mixing—no fuss, just pure deliciousness.
Make Ahead Friendly: It gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a couple of hours, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully.
Versatile Dish: Great for potlucks, a side for grilled meats, or even as a light stand-alone meal.

The image shows a white plate filled with farfalle pasta mixed with bright red cherry tomatoes, small white mozzarella balls, and thin strips of green basil scattered on top. There is a light drizzle of dark balsamic glaze over the pasta. A spoon holds a serving of the pasta mixture close to the camera, showing the pasta’s bowtie shape and the fresh tomato halves and whole mozzarella balls in clear detail. In the background, a glass bowl with more pasta and tomatoes sits on a white marbled surface, along with a small glass jar of dark balsamic sauce and a spoon inside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe lies in the harmony between fresh and simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the pasta carries the flavors, the mozzarella adds creaminess, and the tomatoes and basil bring that classic Caprese brightness. Here’s a quick look at why each ingredient really shines:

Flat lay of colorful grape tomatoes halved to show their juicy interiors, glossy fresh mozzarella pearls scattered gently, bright green fresh basil leaves and sprigs, perfectly cooked bow-tie pasta with a subtle sheen, a small glass jar of dark balsamic glaze with honey shimmering inside, golden honey droplets glistening nearby, and a few garlic cloves, all beautifully arranged with natural light highlighting their fresh textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Bow-tie pasta (farfalle): Its shape catches the dressing and little bits of mozzarella and tomato perfectly in every bite.
Fresh mozzarella pearls: They melt in your mouth with creaminess that pairs beautifully with acidic tomatoes.
Grape tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and firm enough to hold up well, halved to release their flavor.
Fresh basil: The herbaceous punch that’s absolutely essential to any Caprese dish.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds rich fruitiness and smoothness to the dressing.
Balsamic vinegar: Provides that tangy, slightly sweet balance; the glaze intensifies that flavor wonderfully.
Honey: Just the right touch of sweetness to round out the tangy dressing and glaze.
Garlic: Adds a subtle savory depth, nothing too overpowering.
Italian seasoning mix: A convenient blend that gives the dressing an herby burst without extra chopping.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love swapping in different types of pasta depending on what I have on hand, and sometimes I’ll add a little extra garlic if I’m feeling bold. The beauty of this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is that it’s flexible—so don’t hesitate to adjust it to suit your taste or what’s fresh at the market.

Variation: Once, I tossed in some toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch at a family picnic, and it was a huge hit.
Dietary swap: For a lighter option, I sometimes use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free, and it tastes just as great.
Seasonal tweak: If fresh basil isn’t available, try fresh oregano or even arugula for a peppery twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Start by boiling your bow-tie or farfalle pasta according to the package instructions—usually about 10 minutes until al dente. I like to keep an eye on it so it’s tender but still has a nice bite—not mushy! Drain it well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Balsamic Dressing

While the pasta cooks, mix together your olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, grated garlic, and that handy packet of Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Give it a good whisk until smooth, then pop it in the fridge to chill. The honey helps balance the acidity, making the dressing deliciously mellow.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

To your pasta bowl, add halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and most of your chopped fresh basil, saving a little for garnish. Pour in about half a cup of your chilled balsamic dressing, then gently toss everything together so the flavors mix without squishing the delicate mozzarella.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours. This wait really makes a difference—the flavors soak into the pasta, making every bite more complex and satisfying. Sometimes I even prepare it the night before for a fuss-free lunch the next day.

Step 5: Make the Balsamic Glaze Garnish

While your salad chills, pour the balsamic vinegar and honey into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Then reduce to medium-low and let it gently simmer for 15-20 minutes until it thickens and reduces by about half. Cool this down completely—it will be your sweet, tangy drizzle to finish the salad with a flourish.

Step 6: Serve with Basil and Balsamic Glaze

Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining fresh basil on top and drizzle with your luscious balsamic glaze. The contrast of creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and that rich, glossy glaze always feels like such a treat.

Top Tip

From my experience making this salad a dozen times (and I don’t get tired of it!), a few simple tips can elevate your dish and make the process even smoother.

Don’t overcook the pasta: Make sure it’s al dente because it will soak up the dressing, and mushy pasta just doesn’t feel right in a salad.
Chill it long enough: The two-hour wait is key—don’t skip it! It allows flavors to develop and the basil to infuse the pasta with its aroma.
Make the balsamic glaze ahead: This can take 15-20 mins, so I usually make it while the salad is chilling. It adds a nice theater moment when you drizzle it tableside.
Gently mix: When combining the ingredients, toss gently to keep the mozzarella from breaking up too much and keep those tomatoes intact.

How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Caprese Pasta Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always add a sprinkle of fresh basil right before serving because the aroma is unbeatable. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll garnish with a few whole mozzarella pearls or even a twist of freshly ground black pepper to add a subtle contrast.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, crusty bread, or even alongside a light soup. When I host summer barbecues, it’s a staple on the side dish table — loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this salad layered in glass jars or small bowls, which looks so festive and helps portion it out easily. Another fun idea: serve it atop a bed of arugula for a peppery bite that complements the creamy mozzarella.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should go into an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found it stays fresh and tasty for up to three days. Just stir it gently before serving again; the flavors only get better but the pasta can soak up most of the dressing over time.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because fresh ingredients like mozzarella and tomatoes change texture when thawed. So I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated within a few days instead.

Reheating

I rarely reheat this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe since it’s best served cold or at room temperature. If you want it a bit warmer, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before eating rather than microwaving, to keep the fresh flavors intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta shapes in this Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While bow-tie or farfalle pasta works great because it holds dressing well, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or even shells. Just make sure you cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the dressing and chilled.

How long can I make the Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe ahead of time?

I recommend preparing the salad 2 to 4 hours ahead to let flavors meld in the fridge. You can also make it the night before, but beyond 24 hours the pasta may absorb too much dressing and the tomatoes might release extra juice. Always store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Can I omit the honey in the balsamic dressing?

Yes, you can skip the honey if you prefer a less sweet dressing. The honey balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar, so if you leave it out, consider adding a pinch of sugar or another sweetener to keep the flavor harmonious.

What’s the best way to make the balsamic glaze for this recipe?

Making the balsamic glaze is easy but requires patience. Simmer balsamic vinegar and honey together on low heat until the mixture reduces by half and thickens to a syrup consistency. Make sure to stir occasionally and keep the heat low to prevent burning. Let it cool completely before drizzling on the salad for a beautiful, tangy-sweet finish.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like summer on a plate—bright, fresh, and effortlessly delicious. I keep coming back to it because it’s easy to throw together, perfect for sharing, and always makes meals feel special. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own little twists along the way. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen too!