Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

There's something magical about the way fresh basil and juicy tomatoes mingle with creamy mozzarella in this Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad. It’s a dish that tastes like a summer garden and feels like a comforting hug—cool, creamy, and full of vibrant flavor.

this Recipe

I first created this salad for a last-minute picnic, scrambling to use ingredients I already had. What started as a fridge clean-out quickly turned into one of the most requested recipes in my house. It's the perfect blend of refreshing and indulgent, and it only gets better as it sits.

Let’s dive into what makes this pasta salad so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

Get ready to fall in love with a salad that doesn’t feel like a compromise. This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad is everything you want in a summer dish—simple, delicious, and bursting with flavor.

First, it’s incredibly quick to put together. You can have it prepped and ready in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for those moments when you need something impressive but don’t have much time.

Second, it’s budget-friendly. With just a handful of common ingredients—pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and pantry staples for the dressing—you can make a big batch that feeds a crowd without stretching your wallet.

Another huge plus? It’s make-ahead friendly. The flavors actually improve after chilling, making this a stress-free option for parties, potlucks, or meal prep.

And of course, this salad is endlessly customizable. Add grilled chicken for protein, swap the pasta shape, or experiment with different herbs—whatever suits your taste or what you have on hand.

Now that you know why it’s such a hit, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad lies in its simplicity. It’s built on just a few ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that signature flavor and texture.

Pasta is the base, and short shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle work best. Their curves and ridges hold onto the creamy dressing perfectly. Make sure to cook it al dente so it stays firm even after chilling.

Cherry or grape tomatoes bring the juiciness and sweetness. Halving them releases their juices slightly, which mingles beautifully with the dressing, adding natural acidity and brightness.

Fresh mozzarella pearls are soft, creamy, and mild, making them the ideal match for the punchy basil and tangy tomatoes. If you can’t find pearls, just cut a ball of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized chunks.

Fresh basil is what ties it all together with its distinctive aroma and flavor. Tear the leaves rather than chopping them to preserve their oils and avoid bruising, especially if you’re prepping ahead.

For the creamy dressing, I use a mixture of mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt. This gives a silky texture with a slight tang, without being too heavy. Add a splash of red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder for an easy, flavor-packed finish.

No special tools are needed, but a large mixing bowl, sharp knife, and strainer will make assembly smooth and quick.

How To Make This Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

Putting this salad together is as easy as it gets, but the results are seriously impressive. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Start by boiling your pasta in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta down for the salad. Set it aside to drain thoroughly—excess water will dilute the dressing.

While the pasta cools, halve your cherry tomatoes and tear the basil. Drain the mozzarella pearls and set them aside. If your mozzarella is packed in water, pat it dry with a paper towel to prevent watering down the dressing.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—the dressing should be tangy, creamy, and well-balanced.

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss it gently in the dressing. Once it’s well coated, fold in the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Mix just enough to combine everything without breaking the delicate cheese.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and the dressing to soak into the pasta. Before serving, give it a quick stir and add a bit more basil or a drizzle of olive oil if it looks dry.

The entire process takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, plus chill time. What you get is a creamy, herby, satisfying salad that feels like summer in a bowl.

Storage Options

One of the best parts of this recipe is how well it stores. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and actually tastes better after a few hours or even the next day.

For short-term storage, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing will thicken slightly, so you might want to stir in a splash of olive oil or yogurt before serving leftovers.

If you’re making it ahead for a gathering, consider holding back some of the basil and folding it in just before serving for maximum freshness and color.

This salad isn’t freezer-friendly due to the dairy-based dressing and the fresh mozzarella, which can change texture after thawing.

To reheat (if you choose to serve it warm), use a low-power microwave setting and stir every 20 seconds until just warmed through. But honestly, this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad means you can tweak it in all kinds of delicious directions. Whether you're looking to use up what's in your fridge or customize it for dietary needs, here are some easy ideas.

For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked chickpeas. This turns it into a full meal rather than just a side dish.

Swap out the mozzarella for mini bocconcini, feta crumbles, or even diced provolone. Each brings its own texture and flavor profile, depending on what you love.

If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan mayo and a plant-based yogurt. There are plenty of great-tasting options available that hold up well in cold salads like this.

Change up the herbs—fresh parsley, oregano, or even mint can create new flavor combos that still work beautifully with the core ingredients.

Want to add more veggies? Toss in some diced cucumbers, red bell peppers, or thinly sliced red onions for extra crunch and color.

However you tweak it, don’t be afraid to make it your own. The base is solid, the flavors are vibrant, and there’s plenty of room to play.

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