Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe | Easy meal prep

I made this Caprese Pasta Salad to take to my mother-in-law’s birthday party. She invited 16 guests, so I needed a dish that could feed a crowd, and this recipe was perfect! It was sooo easy to make, and the leftovers worked great as meal prep lunches for the week.

Back when I was a student, this was one of my go-to recipes: simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. If you need a quick weeknight meal, a dish for a potluck, or something delicious for lunch, this Caprese Pasta Salad recipe is a must-try!

What is Caprese Pasta Salad?

Caprese Pasta Salad is a twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, which features fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. By adding pasta, we turn it into a hearty, satisfying meal. In this recipe, we elevate the flavors with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted pine nuts, arugula, and a flavorful green pesto dressing. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes this dish a perfect balance between light and filling.

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad

Making pasta salad is as easy as boiling pasta, adding all of the ingredients and mixing it together. It takes less than 30 minutes to make, even for large amounts.

What to Serve with Caprese Pasta Salad

This salad pairs well with many dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Grilled Chicken: Adds a protein boost to make it a complete meal.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover pesto dressing.
• Soup: A light tomato or minestrone soup complements the fresh flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant enhances the Mediterranean vibe.

Variations

• Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Different Greens: Swap arugula for fresh basil or baby spinach.
• Extra Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts instead of pine nuts.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free mozzarella and a plant-based pesto.

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FAQ

Can you make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Add the arugula right before serving to keep it fresh.

Can you freeze this pasta salad?

No, it’s not recommended to freeze this pasta salad, as the fresh ingredients like mozzarella and tomatoes don’t thaw well.

How long is the pasta salad good for?

It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick toss before serving.

Looking for more easy and delicious recipes? Check out:

VIETNAMESE NOODLE BOWL RECIPE + SUMMER ROLLS

SPINACH CHICKPEA CURRY

If you try this Caprese Pasta Salad, let me know in the comments how you liked it.

With love, Mar

Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic Italian dish. Combining orecchiette pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, arugula, and a green pesto dressing, this dish is perfect for meal prep, picnics, or gatherings. It's quick to prepare, easy to customize, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, dinner, lunch, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 500 g orecchiette pasta
• 300 g cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 small red onion thinly sliced
• 100 g arugula added last for freshness
• 250 g mozzarella balls
• 100 g sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 50 g roasted pine nuts
• 6 tbsp green pesto
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Boil the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool slightly.
• While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and drain the mozzarella balls.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
• Toss everything with green pesto, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated.
• Mix in the roasted pine nuts and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Just before serving, gently fold in the arugula to keep it fresh and crisp.

Notes

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 320mg

Keyword healthy, healthy breakfast, healthy dinner recipes, healthy lunches, italian, lunch, pasta, salad, side dish

Martina

Martina is a trained and experienced chef. She has worked as a Chef in multiple restaurants in the Netherlands. Currently, she works as a Marketing Manager for a Start-up in The Hague. In her spare time, she cooks and bakes delicious recipes to host friends and shares all of her best recipes and tips through her blogs.