Name: Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz. rotini pasta (or other shape); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 8 oz. fresh mozzarella (cut into cubes); 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (halved); 1/4 cup fresh basil (chiffonade); Kosher salt (to taste); Black pepper (to taste); Extra balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and black pepper for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a dish that’s equal parts vibrant, refreshing, and irresistible? Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing ticks every box. Imagine twirling forkfuls of al dente pasta, juicy tomatoes, pillowy mozzarella cubes, and fragrant basil—all swirled together with an ultra-luxurious balsamic dressing that brings it all together. It’s the perfect option for picnics, potlucks, or any time you crave a cold pasta salad with that “wow, I need another bite” quality!

Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad proves that it’s the quality and freshness of each ingredient that creates true magic. Every element here contributes its own pop—whether that’s creamy, tangy, herby, or juicy flavor. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute; each ingredient truly matters!

Rotini pasta: Those twists are perfect for holding onto creamy dressing and bits of basil with every bite!
Mayonnaise: The secret ingredient that gives the balsamic dressing its signature creaminess and richness.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds just the right punchy tang to harmonize the flavors and lift the salad.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Lends a silky, peppery background note while helping the dressing cling to every ingredient.
Fresh mozzarella: Cubes of this soft cheese offer creamy, mellow bites throughout the salad.
Cherry or grape tomatoes: Their snappy, juicy sweetness is a must for classic caprese vibes!
Fresh basil: Ribbon-thin shreds add fragrance, color, and a burst of Italian summer in every forkful.
Kosher salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the cheese, tomatoes, and dressing.
Black pepper: A finishing touch for gentle heat and depth.
Extra balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and black pepper (optional): These let you finish the dish just the way you like at the table.

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until perfectly al dente—you want it tender but still with a tiny bit of bite. Once it’s finished, drain and immediately rinse it under plenty of cold water to halt the cooking and cool it down quickly. A good shake in the colander helps remove excess water, ensuring your salad isn’t diluted by lingering moisture.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Balsamic Dressing

In a large mixing bowl—the same one you’ll use for the final salad—whisk together the mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and a generous pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t skimp on the whisking! The mayo and oil need to emulsify fully for that dreamy, creamy consistency that sets the Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing apart from the crowd.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Add your cooled, well-drained pasta right into the bowl with the dressing, along with the mozzarella cubes, halved tomatoes, and shimmering curls of fresh basil. Stir gently and thoroughly so every bit is glossy and coated. There’s no rush here—taking a moment to mix ensures even flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Dress It Up Before Serving

Just before bringing your Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing to the table, drizzle it with a little extra olive oil and balsamic vinegar for both gloss and flavor dimension. Finish with plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. This final touch takes the salad from tasty to absolutely stunning—both visually and on the palate!

How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to add a hint of flair and freshness. Think bigger basil leaves torn by hand, an extra sprinkle of black pepper, or even a scattering of flaky sea salt. Drizzling a bit more syrupy balsamic right before serving not only looks gourmet but intensifies those tangy-sweet pops in the flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is a star on its own, but it also shines alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or buttery garlic bread. Pair with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon for a colorfully satisfying meal—or offer it as part of a summer buffet with plenty of grilled veggies and antipasto.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can be such fun! Serve your Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing in a clear glass trifle bowl to show off its layers and colors, or portion it into individual mason jars for an adorable, picnic-friendly option. For entertaining, scoop it into lettuce cups or roasted pepper halves for a totally unexpected, party-ready twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen, making it arguably even tastier the next day!

Freezing

Unfortunately, this salad isn’t a great candidate for the freezer. Both the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes lose their lovely texture after thawing, so for best results, keep it chilled but not frozen.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, which makes it a breeze for picnics or potlucks. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit out of the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as that will alter the texture of the cheese and tomatoes.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While rotini is fantastic for holding onto all the creamy dressing, you can swap in penne, farfalle, or even small shells—just aim for a similarly sized shape that won’t overwhelm the other ingredients.

Is there a substitute for fresh mozzarella?

If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, bocconcini or mozzarella pearls work beautifully. Avoid pre-shredded or low-moisture mozzarella; they don’t offer the same creamy, rich bite that makes this Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing so special.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely! Whip up the creamy balsamic dressing and keep it refrigerated in a sealed jar up to two days in advance. Just give it a good shake or whisk before tossing with the pasta.

How do I stop the pasta from absorbing all the dressing?

If you’re prepping ahead, you can reserve a little of the dressing and stir it in just before serving to freshen everything up and restore that gorgeous creamy sheen.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing is entirely vegetarian as written. To make it vegan, simply swap the mozzarella for your favorite plant-based cheese and use vegan mayo.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to elevate your next lunch, picnic, or potluck, you simply have to give Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing a try. It’s stunningly easy, loaded with fresh flavor, and destined to be your new favorite crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to dig in and see what all the fuss is about!

Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Caprese Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of a classic Caprese salad with pasta and a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish for a summer gathering.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled. Remove excess water.
Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: Add pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat.
Serve: Drizzle with additional olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with fresh cracked pepper before serving if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian