This caprese pasta salad came about for a couple of reasons. First, I LOVE a good caprese salad! And second, I'm not a big fan of traditional pasta salad. So I thought, why not make a pasta salad that has all the flavors of my favorite type of salad?! Well, this caprese pasta salad does not disappoint! It has all the amazing flavors that you'd expect in a caprese salad but it's a lot easier to throw together and transport to a friend's house!
I use bowtie pasta for this salad but you can use any type of pasta you'd like. I just think the bowties are adorable...and my daughter always picks them out at the grocery store. 🙂 And while the pasta is cooking you can go ahead and slice your tomatoes and dice the cheese to save a little time. 
Once the pasta is cooked, drained, and rinsed you can just add everything in the bowl and toss it together and you're done!
Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounce box of pasta (I like to use bowties)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (cut into ¼ inch slices)
- 8 ounce mozzarella cheese ball (not shredded) (sliced into ½ inch pieces)
- ¼ cup store-bought pesto
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for salting the pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and 1 tablespoon of salt and boil your pasta according to the package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, slice your tomatoes into ¼ inch slices and cut your mozzarella into ½ inch cubes. These sizes are just my preference so if you like them smaller or bigger, go for it!
- Once your pasta is done, drain it and rinse it with cold water. You do NOT want your mozzarella to get melty.
- Add your cooled pasta to a mixing bowl along with the tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, balsamic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Toss together and either serve at room temperature or refrigerated.
Notes
Noel Lizotte says
I love salads and my husband loves pasta salad...this recipe is sure to be a winner at my house. I'll be trying it out next week! Can't go wrong with those flavors!
Coco and Ash says
I hope you love it!!
Shashi at Savory Spin says
I so love this - such a deliciously flavorful twist on traditional pasta salad - definitely a crowd pleaser at summer get togethers - thanks so much for the inspiration.
Coco and Ash says
Thanks Shashi!! It's definitely a crowd pleaser 🙂
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says
I really like this recipe. So fresh looking and easy to make
Coco and Ash says
Thanks Bintu!!:)
Patty says
What a wonderful recipe, love pasta salad!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you so much Patty!
Molly Kumar says
OMG, I'm literally hungry looking at your gorgeous pictures!!! I love salad for meals and always looking for more recipes. This would totally be my lunch soon.
Coco and Ash says
Thanks Molly!! I've totally eaten this for lunch myself! 🙂
Julie says
I'd love to make this for my daughter's grad party. Would you recommend making it the night before?