Fresh & Vibrant Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Creamy Basil Dressing

This Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad effortlessly blends the sun-kissed, vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad with the comforting heartiness of pasta. Featuring al dente bow tie pasta tossed with crisp romaine lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, tender mozzarella pearls, and a luscious homemade creamy basil dressing, it’s a truly flavorful and incredibly easy side dish. Whether you’re planning a lively summer cookout, a simple weeknight dinner, or preparing meals in advance, this refreshing pasta salad is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings Italian-inspired delight to any occasion.

About This Irresistible Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Imagine your favorite classic Caprese salad, with its iconic combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, transformed into a substantial and incredibly satisfying pasta dish. That’s exactly what you get with this Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad. It’s a symphony of fresh, creamy, and herbaceous flavors that come together in a dish that’s both elegant and utterly comforting. The secret truly lies in the balance of textures and the vibrant homemade basil dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

At its heart, this recipe uses farfalle, affectionately known as “bow tie pasta,” which are perfectly shaped to cradle every drop of the delectable dressing. This isn’t just a simple mix; it’s a carefully curated blend designed for maximum enjoyment. We add crisp romaine lettuce for a delightful crunch, juicy cherry tomatoes that burst with summery sweetness, and creamy mozzarella balls (preferably marinated for an extra layer of flavor) that offer that signature cheesy bite. And let’s not forget the star herb: fresh basil, which makes a double appearance—tossed directly into the salad and blended into the rich, aromatic dressing—ensuring an explosion of fresh, summery taste in every forkful.

The dressing itself is a masterpiece. Creamy yet perfectly balanced, it features robust garlic, bright lemon juice, a hint of zesty Dijon mustard, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for unexpected depth and umami. This unique combination ensures the dressing clings beautifully to the pasta and other ingredients without ever overwhelming their natural freshness. The result is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that’s ideal for a variety of occasions. Serve it at your next barbecue, bring it to a potluck, or even prepare it for efficient meal prep during those busy summer workweeks. Its ability to satisfy and refresh makes it a truly versatile and beloved recipe.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Caprese Pasta Salad

Crafting this delightful Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that harmonize to create its signature flavor. Each component plays a vital role:

• Farfalle Pasta (Bow Tie Pasta): This is our pasta of choice, not just for its charming shape, but because its “bow tie” folds and ridges are fantastic at capturing and holding onto every bit of that delicious creamy dressing. If farfalle isn’t available, other short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work well too. For those with dietary preferences, gluten-free pasta can be easily substituted without compromising flavor.
• Romaine Lettuce: Essential for adding a refreshing crunch and a light, slightly bitter contrast to the richness of the dressing and cheese. Its sturdy texture holds up well in a pasta salad. Ensure it’s freshly chopped for maximum crispness.
• Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine): These small, tender mozzarella balls are key to the Caprese experience. If you can find the marinated variety, they’ll impart an incredible depth of flavor with herbs and oil already infused. Otherwise, plain fresh mozzarella balls are perfectly fine.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems bring bursts of sweet, juicy flavor that are quintessential for any Caprese dish. Halving them ensures that their sweetness is distributed throughout the salad and that every bite includes a piece of tomato. Grape tomatoes are an excellent alternative if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.
• Fresh Basil: This aromatic herb is undeniably the soul of Caprese. We utilize fresh basil generously, both torn into the pasta salad for direct bursts of flavor and blended into the creamy dressing to infuse it with its signature perfume. Always opt for fresh basil over dried for the best results; the flavor difference is immense.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a wonderful salty, umami kick. We incorporate it into both the dressing for depth and sprinkle it over the finished salad for an extra layer of savory goodness. Freshly grated is always superior to pre-shredded for flavor and melt.
• Mayonnaise: Forming the creamy, rich base of our dressing, mayonnaise provides a smooth texture and a subtle tang. Full-fat mayonnaise offers the best flavor and consistency, but light mayonnaise can be used if preferred.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a touch of Dijon mustard is enough to add a sophisticated tang and slight punginess to the dressing, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and other ingredients.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A small, unexpected splash of this savory sauce contributes a surprising layer of umami and complexity, elevating the dressing beyond the ordinary.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is vital for a robust, aromatic dressing. You can either mince your own cloves for the freshest flavor or use good quality store-bought minced garlic for convenience.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire dressing, providing essential acidity that cuts through the creaminess and enhances all the other flavors. While bottled lemon juice can be used, fresh offers a superior, less concentrated sourness.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This high-quality oil helps emulsify the dressing, creating a silky-smooth texture and adding a subtle, fruity undertone. Choose a mild extra virgin olive oil to ensure it complements, rather than overwhelms, the other delicate flavors.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Basic but crucial for seasoning. We recommend using kosher salt for its clean taste and freshly cracked black pepper for its vibrant aroma, allowing you to season to your preference and perfectly round out all the flavors.

Essential Equipment for This Recipe

Having the right tools on hand can make preparing this Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

• High-Speed Blender or Food Processor: This is indispensable for achieving the perfectly smooth and emulsified creamy basil dressing. A high-speed blender, like a Vitamix, works exceptionally well for thick dressings, but any robust blender will do the trick. If you only have a food processor, it will also work effectively for blending the dressing ingredients.
• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Necessary for cooking the pasta. A large pot ensures ample space for the pasta to boil freely, preventing sticking and promoting even cooking to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
• Colander: For efficiently draining the cooked pasta. Rinsing the pasta under cold water after draining is crucial to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly for the salad.
• Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for preparing your fresh ingredients, such as halving cherry tomatoes, chopping romaine lettuce, and mincing fresh garlic and basil. Sharp tools make prep work safer and more efficient.
• Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a spacious bowl to combine the pasta, vegetables, cheese, and dressing. This allows for easy tossing to ensure every ingredient is thoroughly coated with the creamy basil dressing.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Creating this delicious Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfect result:

Perfectly Cook Your Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. The salt in the water is essential for seasoning the pasta from within. Once the water is vigorously boiling, add the farfalle (bow tie pasta) and cook it until it reaches an al dente texture, which means it should be tender yet still firm to the bite. Always refer to the package instructions for precise cooking times, as these can vary by brand. As soon as it’s cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly using a colander. Immediately rinse it with cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and ensures it retains its desirable texture for the salad. Set the cooled pasta aside while you prepare the other components.

Whip Up the Creamy Basil Dressing

While your pasta is cooking or cooling, it’s time to create the star of the show: the creamy basil dressing. In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, along with the fresh basil leaves. Blend these ingredients until you achieve a wonderfully smooth and vibrant green mixture. With the blender or food processor still running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This gradual addition helps to properly emulsify the dressing, giving it a rich, smooth, and cohesive texture. Once emulsified, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Blend briefly again until just combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed to achieve your perfect flavor balance. Transfer the dressing to the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad; chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Assemble the Salad to Perfection

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the main salad components: the cooled, cooked pasta, the crisp chopped romaine lettuce, the halved cherry tomatoes, the tender mozzarella balls, and the torn fresh basil leaves. These vibrant ingredients create a beautiful base for your salad. Pour the creamy basil dressing generously over the top of the combined salad ingredients. Using a large spoon or tongs, gently but thoroughly toss everything together. Ensure that every piece of pasta, every leaf of romaine, and every tomato and mozzarella ball is beautifully coated in the rich, flavorful dressing. Finish by sprinkling a little extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Chill and Let Flavors Meld

While this Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad is delicious served immediately, its flavors truly deepen and meld when given some time to chill. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, chilling it for an hour or even longer allows the dressing to fully permeate the pasta and vegetables, enhancing the overall taste experience. This makes it an excellent candidate for making ahead, as it holds up beautifully and tastes even better once the ingredients have had a chance to mingle and harmonize. Plus, a cold pasta salad is especially refreshing on a warm day!

Pro Tips and Tricks for Success

Maximize the flavor and freshness of your Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad with these helpful tips:

• Embrace the Make-Ahead Advantage: This salad is one of those rare dishes that actually improves with time. Preparing it a few hours in advance or even overnight allows the dressing’s flavors to fully infuse into the pasta and vegetables, creating a richer, more cohesive taste. The chilling process allows all the ingredients to truly marinate and become more flavorful.
• Timing for the Crispness: If you’re preparing this salad for a party, picnic, or an event where presentation is key, consider adding the romaine lettuce in just before serving. This simple trick ensures the lettuce remains wonderfully crisp and prevents it from wilting, maintaining that delightful textural contrast.
• Blender Alternatives: Don’t have a high-speed blender? No problem! A food processor works perfectly for achieving a smooth, emulsified dressing. If you’re without either, you can still make a fantastic dressing. Simply chop the fresh basil super fine, mince the garlic thoroughly, and then vigorously whisk all the dressing ingredients by hand until well combined. The texture might be slightly less smooth, but the flavor will still be outstanding.
• Quick & Easy Dressing Option: For those days when time is truly of the essence, you can opt for a good quality store-bought basil dressing or even a creamy Italian vinaigrette. While the homemade dressing is highly recommended for its superior fresh flavor, a quality store-bought option offers a convenient shortcut without sacrificing too much taste.
• Seasoning is Key: Always taste your pasta and dressing as you go. Pasta water should be salty like the sea. The dressing should be vibrant and well-seasoned before it hits the salad. Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your personal preference for the best flavor.
• Cool the Pasta Completely: Ensure your pasta is completely cool before adding the other ingredients and dressing. Warm pasta can cause the romaine to wilt prematurely and may affect the texture of the mozzarella. Rinsing with cold water after draining helps considerably.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Salad

While the classic Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Boost the Protein with Grilled Chicken: Transform this side dish into a substantial main course by adding chopped grilled chicken breast or shredded rotisserie chicken leftovers. The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the fresh Caprese elements beautifully.
• Introduce a Peppery Kick with Arugula: If you enjoy a more distinct, peppery flavor profile, swap out some or all of the romaine lettuce for fresh arugula. Its bold notes will add an exciting dimension to the salad.
• Load Up on More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by incorporating additional vegetables. Consider adding finely diced red onion for a pungent bite, thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color) for sweetness and crunch, cucumber for added freshness, or even some blanched asparagus tips.
• Add Olives for Brininess: For an extra layer of savory, briny flavor, toss in a handful of pitted Kalamata or black olives. They pair wonderfully with the Mediterranean profile of the Caprese ingredients.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the dressing or sprinkled over the top can add a pleasant warmth.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Boost: For a more concentrated tomato flavor, especially if fresh cherry tomatoes aren’t at their peak, add a quarter cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained). They offer a rich, sweet, and tangy element.

Craving more fresh pasta salad recipes? Discover our favorites: Summer Lemon Pasta Salad | Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad | Thai Peanut Pasta Salad | Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad | Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad

Can This Pasta Salad Be Made a Day in Advance?

Absolutely! This Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad is actually an ideal candidate for making ahead, as its flavors have a chance to deepen and meld beautifully overnight, often tasting even better the next day. The key to successful make-ahead preparation, especially if you’re serving it the following day, is to store the romaine lettuce separately. Lettuce can become limp and wilted when tossed with dressing and left to sit for too long. If you plan to make it a day before, prepare the pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, and store them tossed with the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the chopped romaine in a separate bag or container. Just before serving, simply combine the dressed pasta mixture with the fresh romaine for optimal crispness. Prepared this way, the salad will last wonderfully for up to 4 days in the fridge.

How Long Does This Last in the Refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad will maintain its quality for 3 to 4 days. As mentioned, the romaine lettuce is typically the first ingredient to show signs of wilting. To ensure maximum freshness and crispness, especially if you’re not planning to eat the entire batch at once, it’s highly recommended to store the greens separately from the dressed pasta and other ingredients. This way, you can add fresh, crisp lettuce to individual portions just before serving, extending the overall enjoyment of your salad.

Can I Use Store-Bought Dressing for Convenience?

While you certainly can use a store-bought basil dressing or Italian vinaigrette for convenience, we highly encourage you to try the homemade creamy basil dressing specified in this recipe. There’s a remarkable difference in freshness, flavor depth, and the vibrant basil aroma that a homemade dressing provides. Once you experience the rich, balanced taste of this homemade version, you’ll likely find yourself never wanting to go back to store-bought for this particular salad!

Need more inspiration for summer recipes? Check out my summer recipes page!

What to Serve with Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad

This versatile Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad is incredibly adaptable and makes a fantastic accompaniment to a wide array of dishes. Its fresh, creamy, and herbaceous profile pairs beautifully with many summer favorites:

• Grilled Meats & Seafood: It’s a natural companion for anything hot off the grill. Think succulent grilled chicken, perfectly seared steak, or flavorful shrimp skewers. The pasta salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of grilled proteins.
• BBQ & Cookout Staples: For a classic summer cookout, this pasta salad is a robust side dish for juicy burgers or hot dogs. Its fresh ingredients and vibrant dressing provide a welcome balance to heavier barbecue fare. Consider pairing it with lighter options like savory grilled turkey burgers for a wholesome meal.
• Light Lunch or Dinner: Don’t limit it to just a side! This pasta salad is hearty enough to stand on its own as a delightful main course for lunch or a light, refreshing dinner. It’s especially satisfying on a warm evening.
• Elegant Pairings: For a slightly more refined meal, serve it alongside grilled salmon. The fresh basil and tomatoes complement the fish beautifully. Add a crusty loaf of garlic bread for dipping into any leftover dressing and a chilled glass of white wine to complete the experience.
• Picnic Perfection: This salad travels well, making it an excellent addition to any picnic spread. Pack it alongside fresh fruit salad, your favorite chips, or other finger foods for an enjoyable outdoor meal. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it a visually appealing and delicious contribution.

Storage Best Practices

To ensure your Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad remains fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key:

• Refrigeration: Always store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents air exposure, which can cause ingredients to dry out or spoil faster, and helps maintain the salad’s freshness.
• Shelf Life: If the salad has been fully dressed and all ingredients are mixed, it is best consumed within 3 to 4 days. Beyond this timeframe, the texture of the pasta might become softer, and the lettuce (if mixed in) may wilt considerably.
• Separating Greens for Longevity: As highlighted in the tips, if you know you won’t consume the entire salad in one go or are preparing it for meal prep, it’s highly recommended to store the chopped romaine lettuce separately from the dressed pasta mixture. Add the fresh lettuce to individual portions just before eating to ensure it stays crisp and vibrant. This method can significantly extend the palatable life of your salad.

More Refreshing Summer Side Dishes You’ll Love

Beyond this fantastic Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad, we have a host of other delightful summer side dishes that are perfect for warm weather entertaining or everyday meals:

• Watermelon Feta Salad: This salad is a true celebration of summer, offering a light, incredibly refreshing, and perfectly balanced sweet-and-salty flavor profile. It combines juicy, ripe watermelon cubes with creamy, tangy feta cheese, fresh basil, and invigorating mint. Drizzled with a zippy dressing, it’s an absolute must for hot days and a delightful palate cleanser.
• Smoky Charred Corn: Bring bold, irresistible grilled flavor to your table with this simple yet impactful side. Fresh corn on the cob is beautifully charred, then slathered with a smoky, savory butter. This easy-to-make dish is a staple for any BBQ, backyard gathering, or casual weeknight meal, delivering a burst of summer sweetness with every bite.
• Summer Lemon Pasta Salad: Bright, zesty, and bursting with delightful textures, this pasta salad is another crowd-pleaser. It features al dente penne pasta, sweet roasted peppers, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a lively lemon herb dressing. It’s a wonderfully easy make-ahead dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch.

Finally, if you prepare this incredible Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad recipe, please make sure to give it a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! Your feedback means the world to me, and I genuinely love hearing when you all make my recipes. I always take the time to respond to every single comment, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or ask any questions you might have!

Oh, and please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! Seeing these delicious creations come to life in your homes is one of my favorite parts of what I do. It truly means the world to me to see your culinary adventures!

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Caprese Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Tossed with crisp romaine, sweet cherry tomatoes, tender mozzarella balls, and a creamy basil dressing, this is a flavorful and easy side dish perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.

Prep Time:
15 minutes mins

Cook Time:
10 minutes mins

Total Time:
25 minutes mins

Servings:
8

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Equipment Needed

• Large Stockpot
• Vitamix Blender
• Mixing Bowls

Full Ingredient List

For the Dressing

• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves tightly packed
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the Salad

• 1 lb farfalle (bow tie pasta)
• 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
• 2 cups mozzarella balls use marinated if you can find them
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves torn
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Detailed Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente (per the instructions on the package). Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool, then set aside.
• While the pasta cooks or cools, prepare the dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves. Blend until completely smooth.
• With the blender or food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil through the opening in the top. Continue blending until the dressing is well emulsified and creamy. Next, add the 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Cover and blend briefly on low speed until just combined. Taste the dressing and season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper as desired. Place the dressing in the refrigerator to chill until ready to assemble the salad.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled, drained pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, mozzarella balls, halved cherry tomatoes, and the remaining 1 cup torn fresh basil. Pour the creamy basil dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are well coated with the dressing. Serve immediately, or for enhanced flavor, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving*.

Recipe Video Guide

Chef’s Notes

*We recommend chilling the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving, as this allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together, enhancing the overall taste experience.

**If you are preparing the pasta salad for meal prep or a future event, we strongly recommend storing the chopped romaine lettuce separately from the dressed pasta mixture. Toss the lettuce into smaller portions just before you plan to serve them to maintain optimal crispness and prevent wilting.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 557kcal |
Carbohydrates: 45g |
Protein: 15g |
Fat: 35g |
Saturated Fat: 7g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 14g |
Trans Fat: 0.04g |
Cholesterol: 21mg |
Sodium: 424mg |
Potassium: 261mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 3g |
Vitamin A: 762IU |
Vitamin C: 11mg |
Calcium: 195mg |
Iron: 1mg

Calories:
557kcal

Cuisine:
American, Italian

Category:
Side Dish