Go Back
For the Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad, you will need the following: - 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Optional: 1/4 cup black olives, sliced These ingredients create a bright and fresh dish that everyone will love. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh mozzarella adds a soft creaminess. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor. Fresh basil brings a lovely aroma. Dried herbs can work in a pinch. However, they lack the vibrancy of fresh herbs. If you can find fresh ingredients, use them. They will make your salad taste better. Fresh ingredients also enhance the dish’s look. Feel free to customize your salad! You can add ingredients like: - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - Grilled chicken for protein - Bell peppers for crunch - Avocado for creaminess These additions can change the flavor and texture. Try different combinations to find your favorite mix! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This helps the pasta taste great. Add 8 oz of fusilli or rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture. This means it should be firm to the bite. Once the pasta is done, drain it. Rinse it under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down. Set the pasta aside for later. In a spacious mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, chopped basil, and diced red onion. Use 1 pint of cherry tomatoes and 8 oz of mozzarella. Stir gently to mix the ingredients well. This ensures that every bite has a little bit of everything. The colors and textures will look lovely together. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. If using a jar, seal it and shake well. This helps blend all the ingredients into a tasty dressing. Once everything is ready, add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the salad ingredients. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If you want, add 1/4 cup of sliced black olives for extra flavor. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your fresh and tasty Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad! You can prepare the Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad ahead of time. First, cook the pasta and let it cool. Next, mix in the tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and onion. Make the dressing and store it separately. When ready to serve, combine everything. This method keeps the salad fresh. Chilling time makes flavors blend well. To ensure balanced flavor, use quality ingredients. Fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes enhance taste. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Add the dressing gradually, tasting as you go. If it’s too tangy, add a little more olive oil. A pinch of Italian seasoning can boost the flavor. Serve this pasta salad in a large bowl for a great presentation. Garnish with extra basil leaves for color. Drizzle balsamic reduction on top for extra flair. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish to create a full meal. This dish is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest tomatoes and mozzarella for a vibrant flavor and texture. Fresh basil also enhances the aroma and taste. Cook Pasta Perfectly: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up well in the salad. Rinsing it under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy. Flavor Infusion: Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a more delicious dish. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your salad with additional ingredients like roasted bell peppers, artichokes, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a kick. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad. Chicken and tuna are great choices. For chicken, use grilled pieces or rotisserie chicken. Just shred or chop it into small bits. If you prefer tuna, opt for canned tuna in water or oil. Drain it well, then mix it in. These proteins boost the meal's nutrition. They also add flavor and make the salad more filling. You don’t have to stick to fusilli or rotini. Feel free to try other pasta shapes. Penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta work well. Each shape brings its own fun texture. Just cook them as you would the fusilli. You can use any shape you like, so get creative! To make this dish vegan or dairy-free, swap out the mozzarella. There are many tasty vegan cheese options today. Look for brands that offer plant-based mozzarella. You can also use avocado for creaminess. It gives a rich texture without dairy. Use balsamic vinegar and olive oil for the dressing, as they are naturally vegan. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and vibrant. To keep your tomato mozzarella pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Always let the salad cool to room temperature before sealing it. If you don't have a container, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps it from drying out in the fridge. When stored properly, your pasta salad will last up to three days in the fridge. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier. Just check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or slimy texture before eating. If the salad looks good, it should be safe to enjoy. I do not recommend freezing this salad. The fresh ingredients, like tomatoes and mozzarella, do not freeze well. They can become mushy and lose their flavor. If you want to save leftovers, focus on refrigerating them instead. Enjoy your pasta salad fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can use other types of pasta. You can try penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta. Just make sure to cook it until it's al dente. Each shape adds a nice twist to the salad. To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. Follow the same cooking instructions. This keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten allergies. If you can't find fresh mozzarella, you can use regular mozzarella cheese. You can also try feta cheese for a tangy flavor. Cubed cheese works well, but it alters the creamy texture slightly. Yes, you can eat it for up to three days in the fridge. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you see any changes in smell or texture, it's best to toss it out. Always use your senses to check freshness! This blog post covered all you need to make a great pasta salad. We looked at essential ingredients for a tasty dish and how fresh or dried options change the flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect pasta and mixing. You learned tips to prep ahead and balance flavors. We discussed fun variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. Make your pasta salad unique and delicious. Enjoy it fresh or as leftovers. Happy cooking!

Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and a flavorful dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, chopped basil, and diced red onion. Stir gently.
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If using a jar, seal and shake until blended.
  • Add the cooled pasta to the tomato and mozzarella mixture. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  • If using, add black olives to the salad and stir gently.
  • Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For an eye-catching finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Keyword balsamic dressing, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, pasta salad