Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

This creamy Caprese pasta salad combines bright fresh flavors with a luscious dressing for the ultimate crowd-pleasing side. I love whipping this up for summer cookouts because it is always the first bowl to vanish at the table and can be made in advance for an easy win on busy days.

I first tossed this together for a backyard barbecue and have been craving that zesty balance of sweet tomatoes and tangy dressing ever since.

Ingredients

• Rotini pasta: The spiraled shape grabs all the creamy dressing Choose a bronze-cut Italian brand if you can for that perfect chew
• Cherry tomatoes: These juicy bursts of flavor are best when ripe and sweet Firmness indicates freshness so look for bright skins
• Fresh mozzarella balls: Buttery bites that soak up the balsamic creamy taste Use whole milk mozzarella for the best flavor
• Fresh basil: Adds herbal aroma and a pop of green Pick leaves that are fragrant and bright
• Mayonnaise: Creates a velvety base for the dressing Go for a quality egg-based mayo
• Balsamic vinegar: Brings tangy rich notes Traditional aged balsamic is ideal
• Olive oil: Smooths out the dressing and adds a hint of fruity flavor Cold-pressed extra-virgin is best
• Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavors with gentle warmth Check that it smells fresh and not musty
• Salt and pepper: Essential to balancing all the flavors Use sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for maximum punch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the rotini Cook until al dente then drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking The pasta should be tender but still have a bite which helps it hold up to the creamy dressing

Mix the Veggies and Cheese:

In a large mixing bowl add the cooled pasta cherry tomatoes mozzarella balls and fresh basil Toss everything gently so the ingredients are evenly distributed without breaking up the cheese or tomatoes

Make the Creamy Dressing:

In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise balsamic vinegar olive oil garlic powder salt and pepper Whisk until fully combined and shiny which means all the oil and vinegar have emulsified with the mayo

Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss with a large spoon or spatula Use gentle folding motions to coat all of the noodles and mix-ins without mashing the tomatoes

Chill and Serve:

Cover the bowl with wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes Chilling helps the flavors meld and the pasta soak up the balsamic tang Serve cold and garnish with extra basil if you like

Save This

Fresh mozzarella is my favorite part as the way it soaks up the sweet balsamic reminds me of summer weekends at my grandmother’s house When my family gathers this is one dish that always gets recipe requests

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Avoid freezing as the texture of the mozzarella and tomatoes changes Fridge chilling keeps the salad creamy and flavorful

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap rotini with penne or fusilli for a similar texture If you are out of cherry tomatoes diced grape tomatoes work too Instead of mayonnaise try plain Greek yogurt for a tangy lighter version

Serving suggestions

This salad stands alone or pairs perfectly with grilled chicken fish or shrimp For a picnic lunch serve alongside crisp green salads or fresh fruit I even serve scoops inside halved avocado shells for a fun twist

Cultural and historical context

Caprese salad is a symbol of Italian summer simplicity With colors matching the Italian flag Caprese was named after the island of Capri The salad dates to the early twentieth century and inspires countless variations like this pasta version

Common Queries

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle for similar results.

→ How long should I chill the salad before serving?

It's best to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to cool thoroughly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of mozzarella balls?

Diced fresh mozzarella or even bocconcini are suitable alternatives. Just make sure to use high-quality cheese for best flavor.

→ Is there a lighter dressing option?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise to lighten the dressing while maintaining creaminess.