If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant, and downright delicious summer salad, you’ve just struck gold with this Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. Trust me, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic—I absolutely love how the juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together with perfectly cooked pasta and a zingy balsamic dressing. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish for your next BBQ, this salad hits all the right notes. Stick with me, and I’ll share all the tips and tricks to help you nail it perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright, Fresh Flavors: The combination of cherry tomatoes and fresh basil is like summer on a plate, bursting with vibrant color and taste.
Simple but Impressive: It’s easy to make but looks stunning and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or simply on its own for a light meal.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance, and the flavors only get better with time.

In a clear glass mixing bowl, there are five main layers: bright yellow curly pasta spirals on top, bright red halved cherry tomatoes to one side, fresh dark green basil leaves at the bottom, thinly sliced light purple red onions on the opposite side, and small white mozzarella balls scattered between the onions and tomatoes. Two wooden spoons are mixed gently by two woman's hands at the edge of the bowl. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface are a yellow lemon squeezer, a clear glass bottle with olive oil, and some fresh basil leaves. The overall colors are bright and fresh, and the textures range from smooth and soft to crisp and leafy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, cherry tomato pasta salad, summer pasta salad, easy Caprese pasta recipe, fresh Italian pasta salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe are thoughtfully chosen for freshness and simplicity. I find that when you start with quality mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes, the whole salad pops with flavor. Also, don’t skip the pecorino cheese—it lends just the right tangy bite.

Flat lay of cavatappi pasta twisted spirals, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil glistening, a small white bowl of fresh lemon juice pale yellow, a small white bowl of dark balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl of finely grated pecorino cheese light off-white, a few garlic cloves whole and peeled, a small pile of coarse sea salt crystals, a few twists of freshly ground black pepper, a handful of halved bright red cherry tomatoes, several halved mini mozzarella balls pure white and smooth, thinly sliced rings of red onion vibrant purple, a heaping handful of fresh basil leaves deep green torn and whole, several whole brown eggs with clean shells placed nearby, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, cherry tomato pasta salad, summer pasta salad, easy Caprese pasta recipe, fresh Italian pasta salad

Cavatappi pasta: Its spiral shape really captures the vinaigrette and makes every bite flavorful.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good quality one—you’ll taste the difference in the dressing.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and oil.
Balsamic vinegar: Go for aged balsamic for a subtle sweetness and depth.
Pecorino cheese: Grated and shaved pecorino adds a salty, nutty kick that elevates the salad.
Garlic cloves: Grated garlic disperses flavor evenly without any harsh chunks.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning perfectly.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juiciness and sweetness that bursts in your mouth.
Mini mozzarella balls: Halved to spread creamy texture throughout.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild crunch and subtle sharpness.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn gently to release those wonderful aromatic oils.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s incredibly forgiving, so don’t hesitate to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding your personal touch.

Grilled Vegetables: Sometimes I like adding grilled zucchini or bell peppers for extra smokiness—it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Protein Boost: Adding grilled chicken or shrimp turns this salad into a hearty main dish.
Vegan Version: Skip the mozzarella and use vegan cheese or extra nuts for creaminess.
Herb Swaps: Try adding fresh oregano or parsley for a twist on the basil-heavy flavor.

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil (don’t be shy with the salt—it seasons the pasta from the inside). Cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for slightly past al dente. This little trick ensures the pasta holds up nicely once tossed with the dressing and other ingredients without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and toss immediately with a light drizzle of olive oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Spread the pasta on a large plate or baking sheet to cool quickly. I usually do this before prepping the dressing so everything stays fresh.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, grated pecorino cheese, and freshly grated garlic. Season with sea salt and several grinds of black pepper. This dressing is where all the flavor magic happens! I always taste it at this stage to adjust the acidity or saltiness before adding the pasta.

Step 3: Toss the Pasta and Fresh Ingredients

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss well to coat every spiral with that flavorful blend. Then, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, thinly sliced red onion, and torn basil leaves. Finish with shaved pecorino cheese on top and give it one last gentle toss. This layering makes sure you get bursts of creamy cheese and sweet tomato in every bite.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Give the salad a final taste test and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with a few extra torn basil leaves—you’ll want that fresh aroma right at the end. Serve immediately or chill for a while so the flavors marry beautifully. When I first made this, I couldn’t stop sneaking bites right from the bowl!

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Pro Tips for Making Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Leaving the pasta slightly past al dente helps it soak up more dressing without becoming mushy after chilling.
Use Fresh Garlic, Not Powder: Grating garlic cloves directly into the dressing brightens the flavor way more than powdered garlic ever could.
Tear Basil Leaves by Hand: Tearing basil (instead of chopping) prevents bruising and keeps that gorgeous green color and aroma alive.
Add Cheese Last: Shaving the pecorino on top at the end preserves the texture and makes the salad look and taste more elevated.

How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

The dish is a colorful pasta salad served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. It has three main layers visually: the bottom layer is light yellow spiral pasta filling the bowl, the middle layer is made up of vibrant red and yellow cherry tomato halves along with small white mozzarella balls scattered evenly, and the top layer consists of fresh green basil leaves, thin slices of purple onion, and thin white shavings of cheese arranged lightly on top. A wooden spoon rests on the salad, partly submerged among the ingredients. The overall look is fresh, bright, and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, cherry tomato pasta salad, summer pasta salad, easy Caprese pasta recipe, fresh Italian pasta salad

Garnishes

For garnishes, I like to sprinkle a few more torn basil leaves on top and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil just before serving. Sometimes I’ll add a few cracked black peppercorns or a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that finishing touch. These simple additions really make the salad shine on the plate.

Side Dishes

This Caprese Pasta Salad pairs so well with grilled chicken, fresh seafood like shrimp or scallops, or even alongside a crusty baguette and a glass of chilled white wine. For a casual meal, I love serving it with garlic bread and a light green salad to round everything out.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving this salad in individual Mason jars or colorful glass bowls to show off the layers of pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella. You can also arrange it on a large platter with whole basil sprigs and a bunch of cherry tomatoes scattered artfully for a rustic, inviting look that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad keeps well for up to 2 days, though I recommend adding fresh basil just before serving again so it doesn’t turn dark and lose its flavor.

Freezing

Because of the fresh veggies and cheese, I wouldn’t recommend freezing this Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. Freezing changes the texture of the tomatoes and mozzarella quite a bit, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. If you prefer, you can take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors bloom a bit.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! While I love cavatappi for its shape and ability to hold dressing, fusilli, penne, or farfalle all work beautifully. Just make sure to cook the pasta slightly past al dente for the best texture in the salad.
How far in advance can I make Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe?

You can make this salad a few hours ahead or up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and add extra fresh basil leaves just before serving to keep it tasting vibrant and fresh.
What’s the best way to prevent the salad from getting soggy?

Drain the pasta well and toss it with olive oil immediately after cooking to prevent sticking. Also, don’t add the dressing and ingredients until the pasta is completely cool, and avoid overmixing once everything is combined.
Can I substitute fresh mozzarella with another type of cheese?

Yes! Bocconcini cheese or even small cubes of mozzarella work well. If you want a stronger flavor, try feta for a tangy alternative, though it will change the classic Caprese taste.

Final Thoughts

I’m honestly thrilled each time I make this Caprese Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe because it never fails to impress family and friends—and it’s so simple to whip up. From lazy weeknight dinners to summer parties, it brings fresh, bright, and comforting flavors to the table. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe over and over (just like I do!). Happy cooking, friend!