Rustic Caprese Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant picnic-ready pasta salad combining juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs penne pasta, pint cherry tomatoes, halved, fresh basil leaves, torn 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 8 oz halved fresh mozzarella balls, and 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves.
  3. Step 3: In a small 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 tsp honey until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Add cooled pasta to the bowl with vegetables and cheese, then pour the basil vinaigrette over the top. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic 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 Rustic 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 Rustic 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 Rustic 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 Rustic 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.

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