Caprese pasta salad with Italian dressing is one of our favorite salads! Simple ingredients like creamy mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and sweet cherry tomatoes make this easy pasta salad a perfect addition to your summer BBQ!
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You'll Love This Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe!
- Caprese bow tie pasta salad is an easy recipe with so much flavor and fresh ingredients.
- The perfect salad to accompany summer picnic staples like pub burgers, turkey burgers, smoked chicken, or pulled pork sandwiches.
- A fun twist on classic Caprese salad and traditional Italian pasta salad.
- Simple salad ingredients - fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, Italian dressing, and bow-tie pasta - like this Caprese spinach salad.
- This delicious pasta salad is a great make-ahead dish for hot summer nights.
- A perfect side dish to take to summer picnics, family gatherings, and summer cookouts!
- Perfect summer salad to serve at room temperature.
Ingredients for Caprese Pasta Salad with Bowties
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
- Colorful cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes - ripe tomatoes will yield the best flavor, just like in our caprese bruschetta.
- Parmesan cheese - adds a salty flavor and cheesy quality.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese or mozzarella balls (mozzarella pearls) - use creamy fresh mozzarella or cut part-skim cheese into cubes or smaller pieces.
- Fresh basil - Fresh herbs work best. Avoid dried herbs.
- Italian salad dressing, or use extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze for a more traditional insalata caprese dressing. Homemade Italian dressing or store-bought works well.
- Bow tie pasta or farfalle pasta- select bowties or use another sturdy pasta shape
- Sea salt and black pepper add additional seasoning and round out the dish.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad with Bow Ties
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe with the best results. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, following the al dente directions. Drain and rinse with cold water, and then place the cooled pasta in a large bowl.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil leaves, mozzarella, and Italian dressing to the top of the cooked pasta.
- Gently toss the main ingredients to evenly coat the pasta.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and salt, and black pepper to taste.
Recipe Variations
- Add fresh veggies. To add fresh veggies to this cherry tomato caprese salad, try adding red onion, red bell peppers, and black olives for additional flavor and crunch.
- Try other tomatoes. Any type of tomato will work in this Caprese pasta salad - try Roma tomatoes, colorful cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or whatever you find in the grocery store or at the farmer's market.
- Greek flavors. Add feta cheese in place of mozzarella, or try this creamy Greek pasta salad instead.
- Balsamic. In place of Italian dressing, use balsamic vinegar with extra virgin olive oil, or use a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
What to Serve with Bow Tie Caprese Pasta Salad
- Serve as a side dish. Serve this caprese bowtie pasta salad along with our roasted potato salad, grilled corn, and watermelon salad.
- Make it a full meal. Add some protein like cooked chicken for a light lunch on a hot summer day.
Storage
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make Ahead
Make the bow tie Caprese pasta salad up to 3 days in advance. Add additional Italian dressing upon serving.
Recipe FAQs
Generally, I slice the cherry tomatoes in half for this bow-tie pasta salad. If you are using grape tomatoes, you may slice them in half again for smaller pieces.
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill work well in this salad. You could also use fresh pesto like we do in our pesto tortellini salad.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Yes. Farfalle and bow tie pasta are the same. You can use them or another sturdy pasta in Caprese pasta salad.
Caprese salad is traditionally served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This recipe uses Italian dressing in its place.
Other Cold Pasta Salad Recipes to Try!
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Bow Tie Caprese Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- ¾ lb. bow tie pasta
- 3 large fresh basil leaves thinly sliced (chiffonade)
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved or quartered
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or small chopped pieces
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup Italian dressing more if needed
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, following the al dente directions. Drain and rinse with cold water, and then place the cooled pasta in a large bowl.¾ lb. bow tie pasta
- Add halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil leaves, mozzarella, and Italian dressing to the top of the cooked pasta.3 large fresh basil leaves, 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, 1 cup fresh mozzarella, 1 cup Italian dressing
- Gently stir the main ingredients to evenly coat the pasta.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to taste.salt and pepper to taste, ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Notes
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