The Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad blends the iconic Italian flavors of fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes with a smooth, tangy balsamic mayo dressing. It’s the perfect chilled dish for warm weather gatherings, offering both visual appeal and crave-worthy flavor.
Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, this pasta salad works well as a side or even a light main. The contrast of creamy dressing with bright herbs and juicy tomatoes makes every bite a celebration of summer freshness. It’s ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or spontaneous dinners when you want something beautiful, satisfying, and effortless.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz rotini pasta
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
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1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
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1/3 cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp balsamic glaze
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, balsamic glaze, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
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Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and toss until evenly coated.
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Gently fold in cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
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Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with extra basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite
Caprese salad is one of the most beloved and recognizable dishes in Italian cuisine. With its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and bold yet simple flavors, it has stood the test of time as a go-to dish for summer meals, gatherings, and light lunches. The creamy Caprese pasta salad takes all those traditional elements juicy cherry tomatoes, soft mozzarella, and fragrant basil and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying pasta dish with an irresistible creamy balsamic dressing.
What makes this version particularly appealing is how it bridges the gap between comfort food and freshness. It’s rich and creamy, yet still light and invigorating thanks to the use of fresh produce and herbs. It’s versatile, customizable, and a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or special events.
The Evolution of Caprese
The classic Caprese salad, or Insalata Caprese, originates from the island of Capri, Italy. Traditionally, it’s made with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, salt, and olive oil. Its colors red, white, and green pay homage to the Italian flag, and its flavors are perfectly balanced, celebrating quality ingredients without overwhelming them with complex seasonings.
Over time, chefs and home cooks alike have taken inspiration from Caprese and used its flavor profile in everything from sandwiches and flatbreads to skewers and pasta dishes. This creamy pasta salad version is a modern and indulgent take that adds comfort and substance without straying too far from its fresh, Mediterranean roots.
What Makes This Version Stand Out
While there are many pasta salad variations out there, this recipe shines because of its perfect harmony between simplicity and flavor complexity. The creamy balsamic mayo-based dressing adds a tangy richness that coats each piece of pasta without being too heavy or overwhelming. Unlike oil-based dressings that often settle at the bottom of the bowl, this creamy variation holds everything together beautifully, making each bite consistent and satisfying.
The real magic lies in the contrast of textures and flavors:
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The al dente rotini provides a chewy, satisfying base.
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Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness and juiciness.
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Mozzarella balls (bocconcini) offer a cool, creamy counterbalance.
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Fresh basil ties it all together with an herbaceous brightness.
All of this is enveloped in a luscious balsamic mayo dressing that gives it a slight tang and depth one that feels indulgent, yet still refreshingly light.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a summer picnic, or looking for a make-ahead meal for a busy weekday, this salad fits the bill. Its versatility means it can be served cold or at room temperature, making it highly portable and easy to serve. It’s also one of those crowd-pleasing dishes that appeals to a wide range of palates kids love the creamy pasta, adults appreciate the sophisticated balsamic notes, and vegetarians can enjoy a filling meat-free meal.
Plus, it makes excellent leftovers. In fact, letting the salad chill for a few hours or even overnight enhances the flavor, as the dressing gets a chance to soak into the pasta and mingle with the other ingredients. It’s even better the next day!
Variations to Suit Your Style
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. With just a few tweaks, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or the ingredients you already have on hand. Here are a few variation ideas:
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Add a Protein: Grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even chickpeas can add protein and turn this into a complete main course.
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Make It Vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise and a plant-based mozzarella alternative. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.
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Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap the regular rotini for a gluten-free variety made from rice, quinoa, or lentils.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in arugula, baby spinach, cucumbers, or roasted red peppers for extra color, crunch, and nutrition.
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Herb Variations: While basil is traditional, you could also try using a mix of herbs like parsley, oregano, or even a touch of mint for a surprising twist.
Nutritional Balance and Benefits
Although creamy pasta salads sometimes get a bad rap for being overly heavy or indulgent, this recipe finds a nice balance between richness and freshness. Thanks to the high content of vegetables and herbs, you still get plenty of vitamins and antioxidants.
Tomatoes, for instance, are rich in vitamin C and lycopene a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Fresh basil offers anti-inflammatory benefits and is loaded with vitamins A, K, and C. Mozzarella adds protein and calcium, while olive oil contributes heart-healthy fats.
You can also control the richness of the dressing by using light mayonnaise or even swapping part of it for Greek yogurt to boost the protein content while reducing fat.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Caprese pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or seafood. It also goes well with other picnic favorites like deviled eggs, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. For a vegetarian spread, serve it alongside hummus, pita, marinated olives, and a crisp green salad.
Want to make it a standout at a party? Serve it in a large white bowl garnished with extra basil leaves and a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. The presentation will look fresh, vibrant, and inviting.
How to Store It
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served cold, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving if you prefer a slightly softened texture.
Because of the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients, it’s not recommended to freeze this pasta salad. The texture of the mozzarella and the basil will degrade once thawed.
Conclusion:
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is a dish that brings comfort and freshness together in one delightful bowl. It pays tribute to traditional Italian flavors while adding a modern, creamy twist that makes it more filling and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a dish for a potluck, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this salad is sure to impress with its bold flavor, beautiful presentation, and incredible ease.
With just a few wholesome ingredients and a handful of minutes, you can whip up a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes. It’s proof that with the right flavor combinations, even the simplest ingredients can come together to create something truly special.