Perfect for easy entertaining.
This Sweet Basil Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh twist on a classic summer favorite. Pasta is tossed with cherry tomatoes, perline mozzarella, and a smooth and creamy basil dressing. It’s slightly sweet, making this pasta salad feel a little unexpected in the best way.
Sweet Basil Dressing
The dressing is inspired by a restaurant that once served a sweet basil aioli that was absolutely dynamite. Sweet but still savory with that basil kick, so good!
Caprese Pasta Salad is a favorite and loved by many. This is similar, it just takes it to a new level with a different take on the dressing. Balsamic is naturally sweet, so instead we are making it basil forward with honey for added sweetness.
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- mayonnaise
- sour cream
- basil
- honey – adds the sweetness to the dressing
- fresh lemon juice
- olive oil
- kosher salt – I use Diamond Crystal in all my recipes
Salad Ingredients
- pasta – I use short cut in most pasta salads
- cherry tomatoes
- pearl mozzarella
- basil
- flaky salt – optional, for finishing
How to Make Sweet Basil Caprese Pasta Salad
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until tender. Drain and rinse under cool water.
- Make the Dressing: Blend the mayonnaise, sour cream, basil, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Combine the pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil ribbons in a large bowl.
- Toss and Serve: Add the dressing and toss until evenly coated. Finish with flaky salt and extra basil before serving.
What to Serve with Sweet Basil Caprese Pasta Salad
This unique pasta salad makes a great side dish or addition to lunches.
I would serve it with:
- herby grilled chicken
- marinated skirt steak
- grilled barbecue chicken
- grilled shrimp skewers
- burgers
- cold cut sandwiches
- cod oreganata
How to Make Sweet Basil Caprese Pasta Salad Ahead of Time
You can make this pasta salad up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
When making ahead, reserve a small amount of dressing to stir in before serving, as the pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it sits.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Equipment I Use to Make Sweet Basil Caprese Pasta Salad
- Wood Salad Bowl – for serving
- Wood Salad Turners
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular mozzarella?
Yes, cut the mozzarella into bite size pieces.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Use what you have and prefer for pasta salads.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, see make ahead instructions.
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Sweet Basil Caprese Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 8 oz short cut pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces pearl mozzarella
- ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced into ribbons
- Flaky salt, for finishing
For the Creamy Sweet Basil Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 packed cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and heavily salt it. Cook your pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse with cool water.
- While the pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 packed cup basil, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Blend until completely smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 8 oz mozzarella, and ¼ cup basil ribbons.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Finish with flaky salt and extra basil ribbons before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Mains
- Method: Stovetop
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