Summer Picnic Caprese Pasta Salad

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

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.

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

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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 cool the pasta, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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.

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