Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

This Caprese Pasta Salad brings together tender rotini, creamy mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes in a bright balsamic-pesto dressing. I’ve tested this recipe over a dozen times to ensure every bite bursts with flavor, making it the perfect make-ahead side for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of fresh basil and tangy balsamic reduction creates a dish that’s both satisfying and elegant.

Print

Caprese Pasta Salad

  • Author: Dorothy Miller

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz. rotini pasta, cooked according to package directions until al dente
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup quick and easy pesto
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 8 oz. cherry size (or Ciliegine) fresh mozzarella
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • small handful fresh basil leaves, julienne cut
  • 1/4 cup balsamic reduction (also called balsamic glaze)
  • Kosher salt
  • fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Toss cooked pasta in olive oil and sprinkle with a few large pinches of salt and pepper. Toss to coat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
  2. In a small mason jar, combine pesto, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Shake vigorously until well combined.
  3. Add pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to a large serving bowl. Reserve a tablespoon or so of the basil for garnish.
  4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat evenly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  5. Drizzle salad with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh a bit more fresh basil.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

🍳

Get our 10 best recipes — free

Join the Receipster newsletter and we’ll send you Dorothy’s 10 most-loved recipes as a free PDF.

Free PDF + new recipes every week. Unsubscribe anytime.

Similar Posts