There’s something about a Caprese salad that just feels like summer in every bite. The combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella is simple yet incredibly delicious. Now, imagine all those classic flavors wrapped in a creamy, flavorful dressing and tossed with pasta—absolute perfection!
This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for warm-weather gatherings, from picnics and BBQs to casual weeknight dinners. It’s light yet satisfying, fresh yet indulgent, and best of all, incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients, this pasta salad comes together in no time.
- Fresh and Flavorful – The combination of basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella creates the perfect bite every time.
- Creamy and Satisfying – The rich, tangy dressing brings everything together for a deliciously creamy texture.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but still slightly firm. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool it down quickly so the salad doesn’t become warm when mixed.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the pasta is cooling, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. The dressing should be smooth, creamy, and well combined. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once chilled, give it a final toss and serve!
Helpful Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Since this salad relies on simple, fresh flavors, be sure to use ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and high-quality mozzarella for the best taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – You want your pasta to be slightly firm so it holds up well in the salad. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving – Letting the salad sit in the fridge for a little while helps the flavors blend together beautifully.
- Make It Lighter – If you want a lighter version, you can use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the dressing.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- If you prefer a bit of a tangy kick, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the dressing.
- Feel free to customize this salad by adding extras like grilled chicken, avocado, or spinach.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a couple of hours. Just give it a quick toss before serving to refresh the flavors.
What Type of Pasta Works Best?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, bowtie, or fusilli work best because they hold onto the creamy dressing really well.
Can I Use Dried Basil Instead of Fresh?
Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
It can be! Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
What Can I Serve This With?
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or even a simple veggie platter. It’s also a great side dish for a summer BBQ.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it thickens up too much, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
- Freezing: This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing.
Related Recipes
If you liked this Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad, you’ll definitely enjoy these other fresh and flavorful dishes:
Conclusion
This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh flavors of a classic Caprese salad in a hearty, satisfying dish. It’s light yet creamy, fresh yet comforting, and incredibly easy to throw together. Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering, meal prep, or a quick and delicious dinner, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit.
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Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
Description
There’s something about a Caprese salad that just feels like summer in every bite. The combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella is simple yet incredibly delicious. Now, imagine all those classic flavors wrapped in a creamy, flavorful dressing and tossed with pasta—absolute perfection!
This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for warm-weather gatherings, from picnics and BBQs to casual weeknight dinners. It’s light yet satisfying, fresh yet indulgent, and best of all, incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but still slightly firm. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool it down quickly so the salad doesn’t become warm when mixed.
While the pasta is cooling, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. The dressing should be smooth, creamy, and well combined. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once chilled, give it a final toss and serve!
Notes
- If you prefer a bit of a tangy kick, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the dressing.
- Feel free to customize this salad by adding extras like grilled chicken, avocado, or spinach.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.