Caprese Pasta Salad – the perfect refreshing side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, picnics and parties. Best of all, it’s easy to make with the classic caprese flavors and a homemade balsamic dressing. Plus recipe video.
Updated from recipe originally posted in 2015
With summer just around the corner, you can never go wrong with having an arsenal of easy side dishes and salads on hand.
A few favorites we make again and again are: Chicken Caesar, Greek Tortellini, Broccoli Pasta Salad, Italian Pasta Salad and this Caprese Pasta Salad.
They’re so versatile and always a hit at potlucks and cookouts.
Plus you can’t beat how easy and simple they are to throw together. They keep well in the fridge so you can make them in advance. Just prep all the ingredients and toss everything together on the day of.
This Caprese Pasta Salad is a summertime favorite. To me, it’s the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and freshness.
How to make this Caprese Pasta Salad
- small pasta shells (I usually use (Ditalini or Orecchiette – use gluten free as needed)
- cherry / grape tomatoes
- mozzarella
- fresh basil
Toss all that together with your favorite pasta and balsamic vinegar and you get a great tasting side dish that takes no time at all!
I love throwing in some color to my salads so I tossed in some blueberries I had sitting in my fridge. It adds a touch of sweetness but free to leave it out if you don’t have any on hand.
This Caprese Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing and delicious side with ingredients that just scream summer.
MAKE AHEAD TIPS FOR THIS CAPRESE PASTA SALAD AND SUNDAY MEAL PREP
- cook the pasta ahead of time and store in a large zip-top bag in the fridge
- wash and slice the tomatoes in advance and store in an airtight container or large zip-top bag in the fridge
- make the dressing in advance and store in an resealable jar
- for Sunday Meal prep, divide the pasta salad into lunchboxes – this is my favorite lunch container. Or make all four pasta salads and bring a different one to work every day.
More side dishes:
Did you try this recipe?
Albert -
I could actually eat this as a main dish! I just love this caprese pasta salad so much! and that balsamic vinaigrette…this is beyond bliss