Ready in just 20 minutes, this Caprese Pasta Salad is bursting with the fresh flavors of summer—juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, fragrant basil, and pesto-tossed rotini pasta. A drizzle of balsamic glaze takes it over the top. Whether you're prepping for a backyard barbecue or need a quick weeknight side, this is one dish that delivers!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
If you're looking for a pasta salad that goes beyond the usual ranch or Italian dressing, this one’s for you. It’s:
- Made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Full of bright, fresh flavors that scream summer
- Easy to make ahead (hello, potluck MVP!)
- Flexible—swap pasta shapes, add protein, or bulk it up with veggies
- A crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes
Bonus: If you love my Caprese Orzo Salad, this version with classic rotini and pesto might just become your new favorite!
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🛒 Ingredients
Here's what you'll need from the pantry, fridge or garden.
- rotini pasta – Or swap with penne, farfalle, or fusilli.
- pesto – Store-bought or homemade. You know which one I'll pick!
- balsamic glaze – You can find this ready to go in the grocery store. It adds sweet tangy richness.
- cherry tomatoes, halved – Grape tomatoes or diced heirloom work too.
- fresh mozzarella pearls – Or slice up a larger mozzarella ball. Fresh mozzarella has a different texture than the kind you'll buy in the deli.
- basil leaves, sliced – Dried basil works in a pinch.
See recipe card for quantities.
Variations
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas.
- Make it veggie-packed: Add cucumbers, black olives, or bell peppers.
- Make it a meal: Serve over a bed of arugula or spinach to bulk it up.
- Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
🥣 How to make caprese pasta salad
- Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine pesto and 1 tablespoon of the balsamic glaze.
- Step 3: Add the pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil to the bowl. Toss until coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Drizzle the remaining balsamic glaze over the top before serving.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta salad alongside my pulled pork sliders or quick & easy thin pork chops for a complete summer spread. Or, consider...
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- Grilled meats like BBQ chicken, steaks, or burgers
- A juicy caprese chicken sandwich
- Roasted pork tenderloin
- Picnic-style with chicken wings or gyros
Or enjoy it on its own for a light lunch! Check out more ideas for what to serve with pasta salad.
Tips for success
Chill it first: For best flavor, let it rest in the fridge 30–60 minutes before serving.
Use high-quality pesto for maximum flavor. You can even mix in a little extra olive oil if yours is thicker than you like.
Slice basil just before serving to keep it vibrant and green.
Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Make-ahead: This is an ideal dish to prep the day before a party or gathering.
FAQ
Fresh basil is best for bold flavor and color, but dried works if you're in a pinch.
Caprese Pasta Salad is typically served cold or at room temperature. The chilled pasta helps the flavors shine.
Tried this caprese pasta salad? I’d love to hear what you think! ⭐
Drop a star rating and a quick comment below—it not only helps others but totally makes my day. 😊🍽️
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with caprese pasta salad:
Recipe
Caprese Pasta Salad
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Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup pesto
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze divided
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- 8 basil leaves sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the directions on the packaging.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir the pesto and 1 tablespoon of the balsamic glaze together. Mix in the pasta, tomato halves, mozzarella pearls, and sliced basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the pasta with the remaining balsamic glaze and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.
