Summer demands dishes that are fresh, colorful, and incredibly easy to make—and this Caprese Pasta Salad doesn’t disappoint on any of those fronts. It’s an elegant variation on the classic Caprese, featuring roasted and raw cherry tomatoes, soft pasta, marinated mozzarella, creamy avocado, and a sweet-tart peach balsamic dressing. The payoff? A salad that’s full of flavor, texture, and color—ideal for weeknight meals, lunchboxes, or your next BBQ.
Why This Recipe Rocks
Balance. The roasted tomatoes provide rich, caramelized sweetness, while the cherry tomatoes are a burst of fresh juiciness. The mozzarella adds creaminess, the avocado makes it richly indulgent, and the dressing brings everything together with its punchy, herbaceous flavors. And it all comes together in less than 30 minutes with hardly any fuss—because summer cooking must be simple, not traumatic.
Want to make it heartier? Grilled chicken or steak would be great additions. But believe me, it’s so filling on its own that you might not even notice the lack of meat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, with easy prep and little cleanup.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – The flavors really blend nicely, so it’s great for meal prep or parties.
✔ Flexible – Serve as a side, main course, or take as lunch.
✔ Summer in a Bowl – Hails the freshness of seasonal fruits with ripe tomatoes, basil, and avocado.
The Ingredients: How It’s Special
Each ingredient is important in creating layers of flavor and texture. Here’s why each one is indispensable:
For the Salad
- Cherry Tomatoes – Half roasted (for sweetness), half fresh (for juiciness).
- Shallots – Sweeter than onions, offering a delicate sharpness when roasted and a crunchy bite when raw.
- Salted Butter & Olive Oil – Butter adds richness, while olive oil keeps it light.
- Short-Cut Pasta – Fusilli, penne, or farfalle work best—their ridges catch the dressing beautifully.
- Marinated Mozzarella Balls – Creamy, tangy, and herb-infused—much better than plain mozzarella!
- Fresh Basil – An absolute necessity for that quintessential Caprese taste. Rip it (don’t chop!) to release the most fragrance.
- Avocado – Adds a buttery richness that makes the salad feel like a treat.
For the Dressing
- Roasted Tomato Juices – The game-changer! They provide an umami flavor you can’t get from bottled dressings.
- Peach Balsamic Vinegar – A fruity spin that complements summer fruits beautifully (regular balsamic works too).
- Honey – Balances acidity with a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic & Shallots – For a touch of bite and aromatic richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes (The Flavor Booster)
Why roast only half? The combination of jammy roasted tomatoes with fresh, juicy ones takes this salad to the next level.
Pro Tip:
- Mix tomato colors (red, yellow, heirloom) for added visual interest.
- Don’t skip the butter! It brings deep richness, almost candying the tomatoes.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing (The Game-Changer)
- Use pan juices from roasting! They’re packed with intense tomato flavor.
- Taste & adjust: Love garlic? Add more. Prefer it sweeter? Extra honey.
- Make ahead: The dressing can sit for hours—the flavors meld even more.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta (The Foundation)
- Salt the water well! This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Al dente is essential – Mushy pasta + dressing = a sad salad.
- Save pasta water – If the salad dries out, a splash loosens it up.
Step 4: Complete the Salad (The Best Part)
- Mix warm pasta with half the dressing – Helps it absorb all that flavor.
- Add avocado last – Prevents browning and keeps it creamy.
- Garnish with extra basil – Because pretty food tastes better.
Make-Ahead Tips & Serving Suggestions
✅ Meal Prep Winner: Prep undressed pasta and roasted tomatoes separately; dress day-of.
✅ Party Perfect: Double the recipe—it’s a sure crowd-pleaser.
✅ No Avocado Browning: If making ahead, toss avocado with lime juice or keep it with the pit.
Serving Ideas:
- With Protein: Grilled shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or prosciutto.
- As a Side: Pair with grilled meats or a fresh green salad.
- For Lunch: Pack in a mason jar—dressing at the bottom, pasta on top!
Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t just another pasta salad—it’s a summer party in a bowl. The roasted tomatoes bring depth, the fresh ones keep it bright, and the dressing ties it all together with sweet-tangy flair. It’s fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a Tuesday night.
And let’s be real: when basil and tomatoes are in season, there’s no better way to eat them.
Final Thoughts
If you want a pasta salad that’s anything but boring, this is it. Fresh, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll make all summer long.
So grab those cherry tomatoes, tear up some basil, and get ready for the easiest, most delicious pasta salad of the season.
