Summer is the perfect time to embrace the fresh ingredients used to make this deliciously easy Caprese Pasta Salad! This vibrant, refreshing recipe combines the flavors of a classic caprese salad with the heartiness of a whole-grain pasta, making it both satisfying and healthy.
Another quickie! Easy caprese pasta salad only takes about 20 minutes total to make. I am on top of the quick, hearty meals these days. Traditional caprese salad is already light and nutritious to begin with. It's a balanced dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners as well as for entertaining.
On the hunt for more nutritious and delicious pasta dishes, then you need to try my Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta made with Greek yogurt and my Creamy Mushroom Pasta! Both are light dishes and perfect for summer.
Table of contents
Ingredients you will need
You will need the following ingredients to make this delicious light pasta dish!
- whole-wheat pasta - choose your favorite. I recommend cavatappi, rotini, fusilli, farfalle, orecchiette, penne, or casarecce.
- extra virgin olive oil - complements the freshness of the tomatoes and basil without overwhelming the mozzarella.
- balsamic vinegar - use a balsamic vinegar that balances the sweetness and acidity.
- minced garlic - helps add a pungent and aromatic flavor to the overall taste of the salad.
- cherry tomatoes - sliced in half, cutting the cherries in half helps release their sweet, flavorful juices.
- Italian seasoning - If you do not have Italian seasoning you can make it from basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and garlic powder.
- chopped fresh basil - adds a vibrant flavor and aroma.
- mini mozzarella balls - adds a creamy richness and a milky flavor.
- grated parmesan cheese - adds a strong savory flavor.
- lemon juice - freshly squeezed from half of a lemon.
How to make an easy caprese salad
Step-by-step directions for making this tomato mozzarella pasta salad.
Step 1 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain in a colander and run cold water on it to cool it off, and set aside.
Step 2 - Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl or a jar with a lid, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 3 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced tomatoes, parmesan cheese, mozzarella balls, basil, and dressing. Serve!
Substitutions and Variations
Mini Mozzarella Balls - you can always substitute the mini balls with regular mozzarella balls or cut small pieces from a mozzarella square.
Minced Garlic - swap out the store-bought container with fresh garlic. I have learned that cooking garlic cloves whole and then mashing them into the pan not only saves time but it also creates a mellow garlic flavor.
Added Protein - toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for some added protein.
Tips and FAQ's
Yes, blending the ingredients and having the salad chill in the fridge helps the flavor meld really well. Just reserve a bit of the dressing and some of the fresh basil and add those in right before serving.
The best type of pasta to use is really your choice, but some of my favorites are rotini, penne, farfalle, cavatappi, fusilli, or orecchiette.
Absolutely! Simply substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta or opt for a chickpea- or lentil-based alternative, and add extra protein for a boost.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More healthy pasta dishes you will also LOVE
If you give this dish a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!
Caprese Pasta Salad
Equipment
- large pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb whole wheat pasta Choose your favorite. I recommend cavatappi, rotini, fusilli, farfalle, orecchiette, penne, or casarecce.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning if you do not have Italian seasoing you can make it from basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, margoram, and a garlic powder.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 8 oz mini mozzarella balls
- ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese more for sprinkling on top before serving
- ½ lemon freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Step 1 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain in a colander and run cold water on it to cool it off, and set aside.
- Step 2 - Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl or a jar with a lid, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Step 3 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced tomatoes, parmesan cheese, mozzarella balls, basil, and dressing. Serve!
Notes
- Tear the basil - instead of chopping the basil with a knife, the kiddos can tear the leaves using their hands.
- Mixing the pasta salad - the little ones will love dumping the ingredients into the big bowl and mixing it all together.
- Taste testing - the best part of the whole cooking process. Eating the final product!
Nutrition
Jillian is the creator of Jillian's Healthful Eats. She is the one who cooks all the meals, develops all the recipes, takes all the photographs, and washes all the dishes! She is a very busy wife and mother of 4 who enjoys cooking with her children and instilling in them her love for health and nutrition!
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