Caprese Pasta Salad with Sicilian Infused Olive Oil

Jul 17, 2026by Lauren Powell

Caprese Pasta Salad with Sicilian Infused Olive Oil

Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor, this Caprese Pasta Salad with Sicilian Infused Olive Oil is the perfect dish for summer entertaining. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, or bringing a side dish to a potluck, this easy pasta salad is guaranteed to impress.

Inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, this recipe combines juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tender pasta, all tossed in a bright dressing made with Texas Hill Country Olive Co.'s Sicilian Infused Olive Oil. The infusion of garlic, herbs, and classic Sicilian flavors elevates every bite, creating a restaurant-quality dish in just minutes.

Best of all, this salad tastes even better after it has chilled, making it an ideal make-ahead recipe for busy summer days.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in about 30 minutes
Perfect for picnics, cookouts, and meal prep
Fresh Mediterranean flavors
Easy to customize with grilled chicken or shrimp
Showcases the bold flavor of premium infused olive oil

Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients for Pasta Salad

1 pound rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Ingredients for Dressing

¼ cup Texas Hill Country Olive Co. Sicilian Infused Olive Oil
2 tablespoons White Balsamic Vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, finely minced
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

Sliced salami
Grilled chicken
Grilled shrimp
Kalamata olives
Baby spinach
Toasted pine nuts

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the Sicilian Infused Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Toss and Chill

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve

Before serving, garnish with additional fresh basil, freshly cracked black pepper, and a light drizzle of Sicilian Infused Olive Oil for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.

Serving Suggestions

This Caprese Pasta Salad pairs perfectly with:

Grilled chicken or steak
Burgers and sandwiches
Cedar plank salmon
Charcuterie boards
Crusty artisan bread dipped in Texas Hill Country Olive Co. Sicilian Infused Olive Oil

It's equally delicious served as a light lunch or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired dinner spread.

Tips for the Best Caprese Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta just until al dente so it holds its shape.
Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
Fresh mozzarella pearls create the perfect creamy texture.
Tear basil by hand rather than chopping to preserve its aroma.
Chill the salad before serving for the freshest taste.
Finish with an extra drizzle of Sicilian Infused Olive Oil just before serving to enhance its herbaceous flavor.

Bring the Flavors of Sicily to Your Table

Simple ingredients become something truly special when paired with exceptional olive oil. Texas Hill Country Olive Co.'s Sicilian Infused Olive Oil adds bright herbaceous notes and authentic Mediterranean flavor that transforms this classic Caprese Pasta Salad into an unforgettable dish.

Whether you're entertaining guests or preparing an easy weeknight meal, this refreshing recipe celebrates the best of summer—fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and quality olive oil. One bite, and you'll be transported to the sun-drenched coast of Sicily, right from your own kitchen.