Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and al dente pasta come together in this easy and flavorful Caprese Pasta Salad.
Delicious Pasta Salad Recipe
Enjoy the classic flavors of fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil in a flavorful and filling Caprese Pasta Salad. Serve it as a side dish with dinner or take it to a family potluck and prepare to be popular. You’ll love the combination of ripe cherry tomatoes, chewy marinated mozzarella balls, fresh basil and al dente pasta.
Side or Main Dish
From hot caprese dips to fresh and fun takes with burrata, I cannot get enough of classic caprese flavors. And this pasta salad makes it so much more filling. You can serve it as a side with burgers or sandwiches. There’s so much to love, I’ve even made a meal out of it before.
Watch Me Make Caprese Pasta Salad
Join me in the kitchen to throw together this easy, flavorful pasta salad.
Caprese Pasta Salad Ingredients and Supplies
(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)
Ingredients:
- Cavatappi pasta (can also be made with penne or bowtie pasta)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Marinated fresh mozzarella cheese balls: You will use the marinade the cheese comes in as well.
- Fresh basil
Supplies:
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water. Add the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the halved tomatoes, diced red onion and entire container of mozzarella cheese balls, marinade and all, to the bowl with the pasta. Stir with two spoons to coat everything well in the marinade.
- Gently toss in the chopped fresh basil. Salt to taste, if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again before serving. Enjoy
How to Store Caprese Pasta Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
More Fresh and Flavorful Salads
My Fresh and Flavorful Salad Recipes make it easy to bring the green to any meal. From side salads to hearty dinner salads, there’s a salad for every occasion and every taste!
If you make this Caprese Pasta Salad, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 
I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!
xoxo,
Caprese Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
Description
Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and al dente pasta come together in this easy and flavorful Caprese Pasta Salad.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cavatappi pasta
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 (12 ounce) container marinated fresh mozzarella cheese balls
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse with cold water. Add the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the halved tomatoes, diced red onion and entire container of mozzarella cheese balls, marinade and all, to the bowl with the pasta. Stir with two spoons to coat everything well in the marinade.
- Gently toss in the chopped fresh basil. Salt to taste, if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again before serving. Enjoy!
Can you give the marinade recipe please?
Hi, Amy! The mozzarella balls come in the marinade. You just pour the whole thing in. Hope this helps! Enjoy!
Where is the marinade recipe?
Hi, Gail! The mozzarella balls come in a marinade. Hope this helps!
Where can I purchase Marinated mozzarella balls tks looks delish
Hi Marilee! They definitely carry them at Trader Joe’s and at most major grocery stores in the deli cheese section. They come in a plastic container similar to the non-marinated mozzarella balls. If you can’t find them, you could always drain and use the regular fresh mozzarella balls and then add some Italian dressing or pesto to elevate the flavor. I hope this helps and that you enjoy!