5 Ingredient Caprese Pasta Salad
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
Finished Product
🤔 Common Questions
Yes — this is actually one of the best recipes to make ahead. It tastes even better after sitting overnight.
Absolutely. Use about 6–8 oz of your favorite Italian dressing for an easy shortcut.
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
5 Ingredient Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb fusilli pasta
- 2 pints tri-color cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese cubed
- 2 oz fresh basil chopped
- 1 packet Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix prepared according to package
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.
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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)
