Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

There’s something irresistible about a bowl of creamy Caprese pasta salad on a sunny day. With tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic kick, it’s the perfect combination of comfort food and crisp summer freshness.

I first whipped this up as a last-minute dish for a neighborhood barbecue, and it was gone before I could grab a second helping. Now it’s my go-to for potlucks, picnics, and quick weekday lunches. This salad is quick, easy, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without being heavy. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

Get ready to fall head over heels for a dish that blends creamy richness with the bright, fresh flavors of summer. This pasta salad takes everything you love about a traditional Caprese salad and turns it into a satisfying, all-in-one meal or side.

First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. You can throw this together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute dish for weeknights or unexpected guests. No complicated steps, no oven needed—just a few ingredients and a big mixing bowl.

It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly. With just pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, a few pantry staples, and some fresh basil, you’re looking at a dish that feels gourmet without hurting your wallet.

And let’s not forget how adaptable it is. Want to add grilled chicken or keep it vegetarian? Swap out the pasta shape or toss in extra veggies? This recipe can be customized in countless ways to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.

Finally, it’s a real crowd-pleaser. The creamy dressing, juicy tomatoes, and soft mozzarella make each bite crave-worthy. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this pasta salad holds up beautifully for parties and meal prep alike.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this creamy Caprese pasta salad lies in its few but flavorful ingredients. Each one brings something essential to the dish, and when combined, they create a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Pasta is the foundation of this salad, and short shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle work best. Their curves and ridges hold onto the creamy dressing and small chunks of tomato and cheese. Be sure to cook your pasta just to al dente—it will soften slightly more as it absorbs the dressing.

Cherry or grape tomatoes bring the sweet, juicy freshness that Caprese is known for. I like to use a mix of red and yellow tomatoes for extra color and flavor contrast. Halve them for the best texture and to help them soak up the creamy dressing.

Fresh mozzarella pearls are the creamy heart of the salad. Their mild, milky flavor is a perfect counterpart to the tangy balsamic and rich dressing. If you can’t find the small balls, you can cut a larger ball of mozzarella into bite-sized chunks. Just be sure to use fresh, not shredded or low-moisture mozzarella.

Fresh basil adds the essential herbal brightness that ties the whole dish together. Tear it by hand instead of chopping to prevent bruising and keep its flavor bold and fresh. If you’re making the salad ahead of time, wait to add the basil until just before serving for maximum impact.

The creamy dressing is what takes this salad to the next level. It starts with a base of mayonnaise and sour cream, which give it richness without being too heavy. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds just the right amount of acidity, while garlic, salt, and pepper round out the flavor profile. You’ll also want a large mixing bowl and a rubber spatula for folding everything together without breaking up the delicate mozzarella or tomatoes.

How To Make This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

Making this creamy Caprese pasta salad couldn’t be easier, and the process is straightforward from start to finish. You’ll go from ingredients to delicious in just a few simple steps.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain it well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly. Set it aside to drain fully while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

While the pasta cools, halve your cherry tomatoes and tear your basil leaves. If using large mozzarella balls, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Having all your mix-ins ready before you combine everything makes the final steps go quickly and smoothly.

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy but pourable. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a teaspoon or two of milk or pasta water.

Now comes the fun part—combining everything. Add your cooked, cooled pasta to a large bowl. Gently fold in the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together carefully, making sure each piece is coated but not broken down in the process.

Let the salad chill for at least 20 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and allows the dressing to cling perfectly to each piece of pasta. The total time from start to finish is about 25–30 minutes, making this a fantastic option when you need something fast and flavorful.

Storage Options

This creamy Caprese pasta salad stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftover-friendly meals. Once assembled, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, although the basil may darken slightly after the first day.

If you plan to make it ahead, consider holding back the basil and folding it in just before serving. This keeps it vibrant and prevents it from wilting too much in the fridge. Similarly, a light drizzle of extra dressing before serving can help revive the salad after chilling.

For best results, store it in a glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Shallow containers work well for even chilling and quick access when you’re ready to eat.

When reheating isn’t necessary, simply give it a gentle stir and enjoy it cold. If you’d like to take the chill off, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before digging in. This brings out the full flavor of the tomatoes and basil.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious, and that means you can switch things up to suit your preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

For added protein, grilled chicken or shrimp make excellent additions. Simply slice and stir into the salad before serving. They both complement the Caprese flavors beautifully and turn the salad into a full meal.

Not a fan of mayonnaise? Swap it out for Greek yogurt to lighten things up while still keeping the dressing creamy. You’ll get a nice tang and a protein boost at the same time. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten it up even more.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Chickpea or lentil-based pastas work particularly well and add extra fiber and protein.

Want more veggies? Cucumbers, arugula, or even roasted bell peppers can be folded in for added crunch and nutrition. Just keep the ratios balanced so the creamy dressing still shines through.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs either. A bit of parsley, oregano, or even mint can add a fun twist. Cooking is all about making something you love, and this creamy Caprese pasta salad is the perfect canvas to play with.

Print