SaveCaprese Pasta Salad
Ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil tossed with pasta in a balsamic vinaigrette. The best summer side dish you will ever make.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $12.00 · $1.50/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cubed or pearls)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (torn)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp pine nuts (toasted)
Instructions
- 1
Cook rotini in heavily salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
Salt the pasta water like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- 2
Whisk together remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano in a small bowl. Let sit 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
- 3
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and torn basil. Pour vinaigrette over and toss gently to coat.
Tear the basil by hand, never chop with a knife. The knife bruises it and turns the edges black.
- 4
Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking frequently, until golden. Scatter over the salad. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Restaurant secret: Dress the salad while the pasta is still slightly warm. It absorbs the vinaigrette better.
Pairs With
Crisp Italian Vermentino from Sardinia
Bright and herbaceous, mirrors the fresh basil
Italian-style pilsner
Clean and refreshing, lets the fresh flavors shine
Fresh lemonade with soda water
Bright citrus complements the balsamic without competing
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Dean Martin, Italian jazz, and bossa nova. The soundtrack to every great pasta night.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •Use the best tomatoes you can find. In winter, good cherry tomatoes beat bland beefsteaks.
- •Fresh mozzarella makes or breaks this. Don't use pre-shredded.
- •Restaurant secret: A drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving adds a sweet counterpoint.
Substitutions
- fresh mozzarella → burrata for extra luxurious
- pine nuts → toasted walnuts
- balsamic vinegar → white balsamic for a lighter color
Leftovers
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Toss with a splash of olive oil and vinegar before serving to refresh the dressing.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
