Name: Caprese Balsamic Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 Servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Short pasta; 1 cup Fresh basil leaves; 16 ounces Mozzarella pearls; 3 cups Grape tomatoes; 0.5 cup parmesan; 0.333 cup Olive oil; 1 tsp garlic; 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar; 0.25 tsp Salt

My Caprese Balsamic Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh flavor from juicy grape tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella pearls. It’s a foolproof, make-ahead-friendly recipe that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or easy summer dinners. It celebrates the classic Caprese trio – ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil – which are inherently delicious and refreshing, especially in warmer weather.

Salad

25 m

Italian

It is a Keeper

March 13, 2026

Itisakeeper.com

From the Cook

1/6

Caprese Balsamic Pasta Salad

It is a Keeper Verified

Itisakeeper.com

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

Visit Blog

Instructions

First, cook the pasta in salted water to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.

In a medium size bowl whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic and balsamic vinegar. Set aside.

Half or quarter the grape tomatoes into bite size pieces.

Chop the basil into small pieces.

Place the cooked pasta in an extra large mixing bowl.

Add in the chopped tomatoes and basil, stir gently.

Next add in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese and stir to evenly distribute.

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Taste test and add salt to taste.

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Salt Your Tomatoes Early 🍅
Cut tomatoes 15-20 minutes before assembling and sprinkle with salt to draw out excess moisture, concentrating their flavor and preventing a soggy salad.
Add Mozzarella at the End ⏰
Toss mozzarella pearls in just before serving to prevent them from becoming tough or overly warm from the warm pasta and dressing.
Balance Your Balsamic Reduction 🖤
Simmer balsamic vinegar for 3-5 minutes to reduce and concentrate its sweetness, creating a glossy glaze that coats the pasta beautifully without overwhelming acidity.
Infuse Oil with Garlic 🧄
Gently warm minced garlic in quality olive oil for 2-3 minutes before mixing into the dressing to mellow its bite and distribute its flavor evenly throughout.
Chill the Pasta First ❄️
Cool cooked pasta completely in the refrigerator before dressing to ensure the mozzarella stays creamy and the flavors meld properly without wilting the basil.