This creamy Caprese pasta salad is a fresh, satisfying dish that blends tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, soft mozzarella, and fragrant basil in a rich yet balanced dressing. It’s perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or as a refreshing side for warm days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe comes together quickly with simple, familiar ingredients. The creamy dressing adds comfort while the tomatoes and basil keep it light and fresh. It’s versatile, crowd-friendly, and can easily be customized with proteins or greens to suit your meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta Salad
12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties)
1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or mozzarella cubes
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Creamy Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 clove garlic, finely minced
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional Add-Ins
1 to 2 cups grilled chicken, sliced or diced
1 cup fresh spinach or arugula
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
Extra balsamic glaze for drizzling on top
Directions
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and pat dry well.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, balsamic glaze, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with extra basil and cracked black pepper if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes
Variations
For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt.
For added richness, substitute mozzarella pearls with burrata pieces.
For extra vegetables, add diced cucumbers or roasted bell peppers.
For a heartier meal, mix in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Storage/Reheating
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken slightly. If needed, loosen with a small splash of milk or olive oil. This dish is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to one day in advance. Add fresh basil just before serving for the best flavor and color.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowties work best because they hold the creamy dressing well.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended, but you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt works very well and adds a slightly tangy, lighter finish.
How do I prevent the pasta from absorbing too much dressing?
Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking and toss with dressing once fully cooled.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free mozzarella and dairy-free mayonnaise alternatives for a similar result.
What protein pairs well with this salad?
Grilled chicken or cooked chickpeas are great options that complement the flavors.
Can I serve this warm?
It’s best served chilled, but it can be eaten slightly cool if preferred.
How do I keep the salad from drying out in the fridge?
Stir before serving and add a small amount of olive oil or dressing if needed.
Can I add extra balsamic flavor?
Yes, a light balsamic drizzle just before serving enhances the overall taste.
Conclusion
Creamy Caprese pasta salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines classic ingredients in a comforting, fresh way. Whether served as a side or a main, it’s an easy recipe you’ll return to again and again for gatherings, meal prep, or everyday meals.
This creamy Caprese pasta salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish made with tender pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, all tossed in a rich and tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, lunches, or as a flavorful summer side.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties)
1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or mozzarella cubes
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 clove garlic, finely minced
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional: 1 to 2 cups grilled chicken, sliced or diced
Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula
Optional: ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
Optional: Extra balsamic glaze for drizzling on top
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and pat dry.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, balsamic glaze, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper until creamy.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with extra basil or balsamic glaze, if desired.
Notes
Use short pasta shapes like rotini or bowties for best texture.
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; stir before serving.
Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
