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5 Ingredient Caprese Pasta Salad

ByMelissa Jo Posted on Updated on
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A close-up of an Easy Italian Pasta Salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella chunks served in a decorative bowl in a kitchen setting.

If you need the kind of recipe that disappears at every BBQ, cookout, or pool day — this 5 Ingredient Caprese Pasta Salad is it. It’s fresh, colorful, loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tossed in that classic zesty Italian dressing flavor everyone loves.

The secret? Letting it sit. This is one of those recipes that gets even better after a few hours (or overnight), making it the perfect make-ahead pasta salad for summer gatherings, meal prep, or easy entertaining.

Pictures of Ingredients

  • A person with red nail polish holds a white bag of Rummo Fusilli No. 48 pasta on a wooden surface. Perfect for crafting an Easy Italian Pasta Salad, the bag features a clear window displaying the spiral-shaped pasta inside.
  • A close-up of amber-colored liquid, perfect for dressing an Easy Italian Pasta Salad, being poured from a glass measuring cup into a clear mason jar on a wooden surface.
  • A box of Good Seasons Zesty Italian Dressing & Recipe Mix sits on a black-and-white checkered table. The yellow box, perfect for Easy Italian Pasta Salad, features images of tomatoes and green leaves with text advertising its freshness.
  • A clear plastic container of hydroponic basil labeled Florida Fresh Herbs sits on a wooden surface, perfect for adding fresh flavor to your Easy Italian Pasta Salad, with vibrant basil leaves visible inside and a sprig in the background.
  • A bowl of halved yellow and red cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, and a pile of chopped fresh basil on a checkered cloth—perfect ingredients for an Easy Italian Pasta Salad.

Finished Product

A hand serves Easy Italian Pasta Salad—rotini with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cubes, and fresh basil—from a large metal mixing bowl into a white dish.
A close-up of an Easy Italian Pasta Salad featuring rotini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cubes, and fresh basil on a kitchen counter. The background showcases a checkered teapot and a farmhouse-style sink.
A bowl of Easy Italian Pasta Salad with rotini, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and cubes of mozzarella cheese sits on a kitchen table.
A woman in a black off-the-shoulder top smiles while holding a large bowl of Easy Italian Pasta Salad with tomatoes, basil, and cheese in a bright kitchen with white cabinets and flowers nearby.

🤔 Common Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes — this is actually one of the best recipes to make ahead. It tastes even better after sitting overnight.

Can I use bottled Italian dressing instead?

Absolutely. Use about 6–8 oz of your favorite Italian dressing for an easy shortcut.

What pasta works best for pasta salad?

Short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or bowties work best because they hold onto the dressing.

Before You Cook (Tips for Success)

  • Salt your pasta water — it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself
  • Cook pasta just to al dente so it holds up after chilling
  • Let pasta cool slightly before mixing so it doesn’t melt the mozzarella
  • Use fresh basil, not dried — it makes a huge difference here
A close-up of an Easy Italian Pasta Salad with rotini, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella chunks served in a decorative bowl in a kitchen setting.

5 Ingredient Caprese Pasta Salad

Fresh, easy, and packed with flavor, this Italian pasta salad is made with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil tossed in zesty Italian dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for BBQs, parties, or meal prep — and tastes even better the next day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 5 people

Ingredients
  

Optional shortcut:

  • Swap homemade dressing for 6–8 oz store-bought Italian dressing

Instructions
 

  • Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
  • In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta.
  • Add halved cherry tomatoes and cubed mozzarella.
  • Prepare the Italian dressing mix according to the package instructions (or use store-bought).
  • Pour dressing over the pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Add chopped fresh basil and gently mix.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours — overnight is even better.

Video

Youtube video
Keyword Easy Italian Pasta Salad
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👝 How to Store Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving to refresh the texture. Keep chilled until ready to serve (especially for outdoor events)


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