If you’re ready to turn everyday ingredients into a truly irresistible summer meal, then this Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine all the sunny flavors of a classic Caprese—ripe cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil—tossed together with tender pasta and a lusciously creamy dressing, then finished with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. Whether you’re planning a picnic, prepping for a potluck, or just looking for a fresh way to spice up your lunch, this pasta salad will bring pure joy to your table and smiles all around!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad lies in its beautifully simple, high-impact ingredients. Each one adds a special touch—whether it’s vibrant flavor, satisfying texture, or pop-of-color appeal. Here’s the lineup you’ll need:
- Pasta (12 oz rotini or bowtie): These short, twisty shapes are ideal for scooping up the creamy dressing and mingling with every bite of cheese and tomatoes.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Use the freshest, juiciest tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and bright red color.
- Mozzarella pearls (1 cup): These bite-sized balls melt in your mouth for that classic Caprese experience.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/2 cup, chopped): Don’t skimp! Basil brings the signature aromatic, summery notes to each forkful.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Adds sharpness and crunch, balancing the creamy textures without overpowering.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Forms the creamy backbone for the dressing, making every bite rich and satisfying.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of tang to lighten up the creaminess—Greek yogurt also works!
- Balsamic glaze (2 tbsp): Sweet-tart and deeply flavored, this drizzle is the real showstopper.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Brings silkiness and that Mediterranean touch to the dressing.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Subtly infuses every bite with irresistible garlicky depth.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Always season to perfection—don’t be shy!
How to Make Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add your rotini or bowtie pasta, and cook just until al dente. That perfect bite is key! Once it’s ready, drain and immediately rinse the pasta with cold water. This stops the cooking and ensures your pasta stays springy, not mushy. Let it drain thoroughly—no one wants extra water in their salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In your biggest mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter touch), balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is silky and fully blended, with that beautiful glazy sheen. This creamy, tangy concoction is what takes our pasta salad recipe from tasty to crave-worthy!
Step 3: Toss Together the Ingredients
Add the cooled pasta straight into your bowl of dressing, then gently pile on the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh basil. Give everything a gentle toss—try using a silicone spatula or your hands with food-safe gloves to avoid breaking up the cheese or squishing those delicious tomatoes. Make sure every swirl of pasta and each bright pop of tomato is perfectly coated.
Step 4: Taste and Season
Now’s your chance to add your personal touch! Taste the salad and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you love a little extra tang, a tiny splash more of balsamic glaze works wonders. Don’t forget that flavors meld as the Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad chills, so aim for just a bit more seasoning than you think you need.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover your bowl tightly and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is non-negotiable—it’s when the flavors all get to know each other and become best friends. When you’re ready to eat, give everything a gentle stir, plate it up, and get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Scatter a few extra basil leaves on top, tuck in a few extra mozzarella pearls, and don’t be shy about a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving. A crack of fresh black pepper over the salad can add a pop of spicy aroma, making it almost too pretty to eat—almost!
Side Dishes
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad plays well with all kinds of summer mains. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a truly satisfying meal. It’s also amazing next to a platter of fresh bread, roasted veggies, or simple green salads, making your spread feel lush and abundant.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning individual servings into small mason jars for summer parties, or line a platter with whole basil leaves and mound the salad high for a show-stopping buffet centerpiece. Skewer a cherry tomato and mozzarella pearl on a toothpick for each serving as a fun, edible garnish—kids and adults will love it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (it’s rare because this dish disappears quickly!), simply cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or store portions in airtight containers. The Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again, just in case the dressing settles or separates.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella pearls don’t hold up well to thawing—the texture becomes soggy and the dressing can split. For best results, enjoy your salad freshly made or refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this is a cold, creamy salad, there’s no need to reheat. If you want the chill off, just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. If the pasta seems a bit dry after refrigerating, stir in a spoonful of extra mayonnaise, sour cream, or even a drizzle of olive oil to bring the creamy magic back.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! While rotini and bowties are favorites for holding the dressing, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even small shells. The key is choosing a shape with nooks to capture all the creamy, cheesy, and herby goodness.
Is it necessary to chill the salad before serving?
Chilling is highly recommended—even if you’re eager! Letting the Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows all the flavors to meld, and the texture becomes even more cohesive and satisfying.
What can I substitute for mozzarella pearls?
If mozzarella pearls are unavailable, you can use a block of fresh mozzarella cut into small cubes, bocconcini sliced in half, or even mozzarella sticks chopped into bite-sized pieces. Choose the freshest option you can find for authentic Caprese taste.
Can I make a lighter version of this salad?
Definitely—swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt and use light mayonnaise if you’d like to cut down on calories and fat. The Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad still comes out rich and luscious, but with a subtle tang and a little extra protein from the yogurt.
Is this Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad vegetarian and gluten free?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it gluten free, all you need to do is substitute your favorite gluten free pasta; just be sure not to overcook it, as some gluten free varieties can soften quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is the ultimate celebration of summer flavors, but truly, it’s a dish you’ll crave all year long. With every creamy, herby, tangy bite, you’ll feel the warmth of sunny gatherings and cozy family meals. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!
Print
Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and refreshing flavors of this Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a potluck, this pasta salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
Salad:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and chopped basil to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Add grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
- Use heirloom cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
