There’s just something magical about the flavors of Caprese—ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. I still remember the first time I tossed them with warm pasta and a tangy white balsamic dressing on a sunny afternoon at home. It instantly became a family favorite. This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad recipe is my go-to for potlucks, picnics, or even lazy weekday lunches. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and totally delicious.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make this easy dish from scratch, what makes it creamy without being heavy, and how you can adapt it for any occasion. We’ll cover variations, storage tips, and serving ideas—and I’ll even share a few personal touches that make it extra special.
Let’s dive into this summer staple that blends simplicity with serious flavor.
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Favorite
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
Fresh flavors in every bite
This salad is built around the classic Caprese combo—tomato, mozzarella, and basil. But instead of simply layering them on a plate, we toss them with perfectly cooked pasta and a light, creamy dressing. The result? A salad that’s hearty, fresh, and flavorful.
The cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, while mozzarella pearls bring a soft, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the bright notes of fresh basil. The white balsamic vinaigrette brings the dish together with just the right amount of tang and depth.
If you’re a fan of tomato-based dishes like this tomato mozzarella basil tart or even something more rustic like the fresh tomato ricotta tart, this salad delivers similar comfort but in a quicker, chill-friendly form.
A quick and easy dish with stunning results
You don’t need much time or effort to whip up this salad. It’s done in about 20 minutes and requires zero fancy equipment. That’s one of my favorite things about it. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a gathering or pulling dinner together last-minute, this dish has your back.
Cooking the pasta is the only step that needs heat. The rest is simply a matter of slicing, whisking, and tossing. It’s that easy. If you love efficient recipes like this easy pasta salad recipe or crave the versatility of zesty Italian pasta salad, you’ll love how fast this Caprese version comes together.
Creamy Dressing & Star Ingredients
The perfect pasta and dairy combo
For the best Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad, start with the right base: small pasta shapes like fusilli, orecchiette, or penne. These varieties have the perfect nooks to trap dressing, herbs, and cheese—ensuring you get flavor in every bite.
Mozzarella pearls or ciliegine are the creamy heart of this dish. Their mild taste and smooth texture make them perfect for soaking up the bright balsamic vinaigrette. Cherry tomatoes bring juicy contrast, and fresh basil slices tie everything together with a bold herbal note.
This salad isn’t about complicated ingredients—it’s about letting simple, high-quality elements shine. If you’re a fan of vibrant, easy salads like the black bean and corn pasta salad or the tangy cucumber tomato salad, you’ll appreciate this refreshing mix.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small Pasta (Fusilli, Penne, etc.) | 1 pound |
| Mozzarella Balls | 16 oz |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 3 cups |
| Fresh Basil | 1/2 cup, sliced |
The creamy white balsamic vinaigrette
Now for the dressing—the unsung hero of this salad. White balsamic vinegar provides a lighter, more delicate tang compared to traditional balsamic. Mixed with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, it transforms into a glossy vinaigrette that coats everything beautifully.
The secret to the creaminess lies in the way mozzarella melts slightly into the warm pasta and how the oil emulsifies with the starchy pasta water. No need for heavy cream or mayo.
Here’s the dressing breakdown:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Want to try other creamy variations? Check out the tangy dressing used in our Mexican street corn pasta salad or the mayo-free vinaigrette from this creamy pasta salad for inspiration.
Step-by-Step Prep and Serving Tips
How to make Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad step-by-step
This dish is straightforward but benefits from good timing and a few smart tips. Here’s exactly how I prepare it for best texture and flavor.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
- Whisk together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Want to see a creative variation? Our simple peach feta salad offers a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, and this summer corn and zucchini chowder makes a wonderful warm counterpart if you’re serving this salad as part of a larger meal.
How to store, prep ahead, and serve it best
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pasta may soak up the dressing, so toss with a bit more olive oil and vinegar before serving again.
Make-ahead tips: You can prep the dressing and chop the basil/tomatoes in advance. Just cook the pasta and assemble shortly before serving for the best texture.
Serving suggestions: I love serving this with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even as part of a picnic spread. For a balanced summer menu, pair it with something from our high-protein pasta salad or a cool peach watermelon salad.
Variations, Add-ins & FAQs
Easy variations to try
One of the best parts about Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re in the mood to experiment or just want to use what you have on hand, here are a few delicious ways to change it up:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, chopped salami, or even white beans blend beautifully into the dish for a heartier version.
- Try a different cheese: While mozzarella is classic, burrata adds a richer, creamier texture. Crumbled feta can offer a saltier twist.
- Switch up the herbs: If you’re short on basil, try parsley or arugula for a peppery touch.
- Toss in greens: Baby spinach or arugula folded in just before serving adds color and a refreshing crunch.
This salad is especially lovely served alongside something like the peach feta salad or the zesty Italian pasta salad for a pasta-themed party platter.
Print
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Favorite
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and creamy pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for summer meals.
Ingredients
1 pound small pasta (fusilli, penne, or orecchiette)
16 ounces mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearls)
3 cups cherry tomatoes
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 freshly ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
2. Whisk together olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
6. Chill slightly if desired, but avoid over-refrigerating.
7. Serve with extra basil and cracked pepper on top.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Add extra olive oil and vinegar before serving again if needed.
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted salmon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Can I use a different vinegar?
Yes! White wine vinegar or lemon juice can substitute for white balsamic. Just note the flavor will be a bit more acidic.
What kind of pasta holds dressing best?
Fusilli, penne, or rotini are ideal. Their curves and pockets grab onto the vinaigrette and ingredients without clumping.
How long will this last in the fridge?
For peak freshness, enjoy within 1–2 days. If it dries out a bit, add a splash of olive oil before serving again.
Can I serve this warm?
Absolutely. It’s lovely slightly warm or at room temperature. Just avoid over-chilling, as cold mozzarella can harden.
Looking for more creamy, herby salads? Don’t miss our fan-favorite Mexican street corn pasta salad or the vibrant black bean and corn pasta salad.
Conclusion
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad brings together all the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer in one easy dish. With tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil tossed in a light white balsamic dressing, it’s a salad that works for any occasion—whether you’re hosting friends, packing lunch, or just craving something simple and satisfying.
It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. Once you try it, this fresh twist on a classic Caprese will earn a regular spot in your recipe rotation.
Let this dish be your go-to when you want fresh, fast, and flavorful—without the fuss.
