A Caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze is the kind of dish that instantly brings sunshine to your table. It’s everything we love about the classic Italian Caprese—sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil—but tossed with tender pasta and finished with a glossy balsamic drizzle that pulls it all together.

This salad is vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly simple, yet it feels elegant enough for gatherings, picnics, or a weekday lunch that tastes like a getaway to the Italian coast. With its bright colors and bold flavors, it’s a recipe that never disappoints.

Why This Caprese Pasta Salad Stands Out

This dish is a celebration of balance—fresh, creamy, tangy, and satisfying without feeling heavy.

Here’s what makes it special:

Simple ingredients, big flavor Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, basil, and balsamic glaze bring depth with minimal effort.
A pasta salad that isn’t weighed down No mayo, no thick dressings—just olive oil, herbs, and balsamic for a clean, refreshing taste.
Perfect for all seasons Ideal in summer, but delicious year-round thanks to reliable ingredients.
Travel-friendly and meal prep–friendly Easy to transport and holds up well in the fridge.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Large mixing bowl
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients for Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

For the Salad

3 cups cooked pasta (farfalle, rotini, or penne work best)
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Finish

2–3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Extra basil for garnish

Timing & Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Step 1. Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente—the ideal texture for salads.

Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process and help the pasta maintain its shape.

Step 2. Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Slice the tomatoes
Tear the basil
Drain the mozzarella pearls
Optional: Slice red onions for a bit of bite and color

This step sets the stage for a bright, colorful salad full of texture.

Step 3. Make the Light Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

Olive oil
Red wine vinegar or lemon juice
Italian seasoning
Salt
Pepper

This simple dressing enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming them.

Step 4. Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and red onion.

Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Tip: Add basil just before serving to keep it from darkening.

Step 5. Finish with Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle the entire salad generously with balsamic glaze. It adds sweetness, depth, and a beautiful glossy finish.

For serving, sprinkle a bit more basil on top.

Tips for the Best Caprese Pasta Salad

Use high-quality balsamic glaze

A thick, syrupy glaze brings the signature flavor—avoid watery balsamic reductions.

Salt your pasta water generously

It adds essential flavor to the salad.

Don’t skip the basil

Fresh basil is the heart of Caprese; dried basil won’t deliver the same effect.

Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature

This helps the flavors bloom beautifully.

Mix in fresh mozzarella last

Prevents it from breaking apart too much.

Flavor Variations

1. Add Protein

Grilled chicken
Prosciutto
Chickpeas

2. Make It Creamier

Add a scoop of ricotta or pesto stirred into the dressing.

3. Add Crunch

Toss in toasted pine nuts or walnuts.

4. Mediterranean Twist

Add olives, roasted red peppers, or artichokes.

5. Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free pasta of your choice.

Serving Suggestions

This salad works beautifully for:

Summer barbecues
Potluck gatherings
Picnic spreads
Simple weeknight dinners
Meal prep lunches

Serve it as:

A side dish with grilled meats
A standalone vegetarian meal
A refreshing lunch bowl
A cold dish for warm days

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 280–350
Protein: 10–14g
Carbohydrates: 30–40g
Fat: 12–18g
Fiber: 2–3g
Sugar: 3–5g
Sodium: Varies by seasoning and cheese

For more wholesome salad ideas, explore Chicken Caesar Salad, Roasted Corn and Tomato Pasta Salad, or Corn and Black Bean Quinoa Salad.

Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A bright and refreshing Caprese pasta salad featuring juicy tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze. Simple to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings: 6 people

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

For the Salad

3 cups cooked pasta farfalle, rotini, or penne work best
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
1 cup mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
½ cup fresh basil leaves torn or thinly sliced
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion optional

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Finish

2 –3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Extra basil for garnish

Equipment

Large pot for boiling pasta
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Large mixing bowl
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente—the ideal texture for salads.
Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process and help the pasta maintain its shape.

Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Slice the tomatoes
Tear the basil
Drain the mozzarella pearls
Optional: Slice red onions for a bit of bite and color
This step sets the stage for a bright, colorful salad full of texture.

Make the Light Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar or lemon juice
Italian seasoning
Salt
Pepper
This simple dressing enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming them.

Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and red onion.
Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Tip: Add basil just before serving to keep it from darkening.

Finish with Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle the entire salad generously with balsamic glaze. It adds sweetness, depth, and a beautiful glossy finish.
For serving, sprinkle a bit more basil on top.

Conclusion

A Caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze is proof that simple, fresh ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a glossy balsamic drizzle, this salad delivers balance and beauty in every bite. It’s easy enough for everyday meals yet impressive enough for guests—light, vibrant, and endlessly satisfying.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes—prepare it up to 24 hours ahead. Add basil and balsamic glaze right before serving for best freshness.

2. What pasta shape works best?

Farfalle, rotini, penne, and fusilli hold the dressing well and maintain texture.

3. Can I use regular balsamic vinegar?

Yes, but reduce it on the stove until thick—or buy pre-made balsamic glaze.

4. How do I keep basil from turning brown?

Add it just before serving and avoid storing it directly touching moisture.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Simply omit the mozzarella or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

6. Is it good cold?

Absolutely—this salad tastes refreshing straight from the fridge.