Italian Caprese Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Al dente pasta tossed with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and a fragrant basil vinaigrette for a light yet satisfying salad. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, halved fresh mozzarella balls for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz, halved fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- optional, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: In a large serving bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) to make the basil vinaigrette.
- Step 3: Add the cooked pasta, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 8 oz halved fresh mozzarella balls, and 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves to the bowl. Toss gently to combine and coat everything evenly with the vinaigrette.
- Step 4: Let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Caprese Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Italian Caprese Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Caprese Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Caprese Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Italian Caprese Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
