Summer Picnic Caprese Pasta Salad
A refreshing pasta salad featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette, perfect for a sunny picnic. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, halved, fresh basil leaves, torn into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 clove minced garlic
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. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 minced garlic clove until emulsified.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup halved fresh mozzarella balls, and 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves to the pasta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Summer Picnic Caprese Pasta Salad 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 Summer Picnic Caprese Pasta Salad?
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 Summer Picnic Caprese Pasta Salad?
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 Summer Picnic Caprese Pasta Salad 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 Summer Picnic Caprese Pasta Salad 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.
