This Pasta Salad With Mozzarella Balls is fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor! Tender pasta is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, basil, and a zesty Italian dressing for the perfect easy summer pasta salad.
A fresh, colorful pasta salad loaded with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, crisp veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and easy lunches.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, bowties, fusilli, or penne)
- 8 oz mozzarella balls or mozzarella pearls
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Salami or pepperoni
- Grilled chicken
- Black olives
- Spinach or arugula
- Parmesan cheese
- Balsamic glaze drizzle
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water. - Prepare the dressing
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Assemble the salad
Combine pasta, mozzarella balls, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and herbs in a large bowl. - Toss & chill
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently. Chill 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Flavor Variations
Caprese Style
Add extra basil and balsamic glaze.
Mediterranean Version
Add feta, olives, roasted peppers, and oregano.
Creamy Pasta Salad
Mix a spoonful of pesto or mayo into the dressing.
Tips
- Use mozzarella pearls for easy bite-sized servings.
- Pat mozzarella dry before mixing to avoid watery salad.
- Best served chilled or slightly cool.
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