This mozzarella pasta salad is a simple, fresh, and easy recipe. Mozzarella balls, fresh tomatoes, tender rotini pasta, sliced red onions, and cucumbers combine with a zesty olive oil and vinegar dressing. This easy pasta salad recipe is perfect for light lunches, as a side dish, for potlucks, and for summer barbecues.

Two bowls of pasta with mozzarella pearls, yellow grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced red onions.

Why you will love mozzarella pasta salad

Easy- This pasta salad with mozzarella recipe is so easy to throw together. Basically, all you have to do is boil the pasta, chop some veggies, and mix the dressing.
Light and Fresh - Made with fresh ingredients, this dish is a light side dish or main dish.
Customizable - Feel free to swap the rotini for your favorite pasta, add additional vegetables, or add your favorite protein.
Versatile - Not only is this a fresh side dish with your favorite meal, but it is also perfect as a light lunch or dinner.
Make-Ahead Friendly - This is the perfect side dish to take along to a potluck, barbecue, or backyard party.

Tools

Large Pot
Long Spoon (For Stirring the Pasta)
Colander
Mandolin (optional)
Large Mixing Bowl
Cutting Board and Knife
Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons
Small Mixing Bowl and Whisk
Serving Spoon

An overhead photo of a white bowl of pasta, mozzarella pears, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced red onions.

Ingredients

Before you head to the recipe card for exact measurements, here’s a quick look at what you’ll be using.

Rotini Pasta - I love using rotini pasta in this recipe, and all the nooks and crannies hold onto the dressing.
Mozzarella Pearls - The best part of the mozzarella pasta salad. Mozzarella pearls have such a creamy, fresh flavor.
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes - Either is perfect in this recipe. You could use yellow, red, or a mix of both for a fresh, flavorful pop.
Red Onion - Provides a flavorful "bite" in this pasta salad recipe.
Cucumber - Adds a bit of fresh crunch and color in this recipe.
Basil (optional) - This brings a fresh, herby flavor to the recipe.

Dressing Ingredients

Olive Oil - The base of the dressing. Extra virgin olive oil is the best to use.
Balsamic Vinegar - This adds a bit of tangy, vinegary flavor without overpowering the pasta.
Italian Seasoning - Enhances the flavor of the dressing on this mozzarella pasta salad.
Salt and Pepper - Classic seasonings that bring out all the flavors. You can adjust these to your taste.

An overhead photo of two white bowls filled with mozzarella pasta salad with grape tomatoes, cucumbers and sliced onions.

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions to al dente. We do not want to overcook the pasta.
Drain and rinse the pasta in a colander under cold water to stop the cooking.
While the pasta is cooking, cut the tomatoes in half, thinly slice the onions, chop the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, and chop the basil, if using.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

A wooden cutting board with sliced red onions, chopped grape tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, mozzarella pearls, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

In the large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, mozzarella pearls, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and dressing.

Chill for at least 30 minutes, then mix in the chopped basil before serving.
Enjoy!

tips for the best mozzarella pasta salad

Use fresh mozzarella for the best flavor.
Salt the water when cooking the pasta.
Be sure to add the basil just before serving to keep it fresh.
Instead of mixing the dressing in a bowl, pour the ingredients into a mason jar and shake well to combine.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Toss with a bit of olive oil before serving

variations

Add grilled chicken, pepperoni, or your favorite protein for a fulfilling meal.
Add more variety, such as chopped bell peppers, roasted red peppers, or olives.

Final Thoughts

Mozzarella pasta salad is one of the dishes that is ideal for any occasion. This is a fresh, flavorful side dish that is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, backyard parties, or even as a light lunch. Mozzarella pasta salad is a quick, easy, crowd favorite recipe that you will want to make again and again.