If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish to brighten up your table, this Roasted Red Pepper Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is absolute magic. Combining the peppery bite of arugula, the creamy charm of mozzarella, and the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, it’s a celebration of fresh and bold flavors all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite bursts with color, texture, and that perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and savory, making it a delightful crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting a picnic, potluck, or just craving something fresh and satisfying on a warm day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board sits on a white marbled surface with four main groups of ingredients arranged in sections: at the top right, a pile of halved red cherry tomatoes with shiny skin; below them, a cluster of halved yellow cherry tomatoes showing smooth juicy interiors; to the left of the yellow tomatoes, a small heap of dark sun-dried tomatoes with wrinkled texture; and at the bottom left, chopped bright red roasted peppers with pieces uneven in size. Around the board, loose green arugula leaves are scattered, while a beige bowl filled with more yellow cherry tomatoes rests to the lower right. In the top left corner, a group of whole red and yellow cherry tomatoes hang from green vines on a white plate, next to a small white marble bowl holding coarse salt and a wooden spoon. A stack of speckled white plates is placed above the cutting board. Soft sunlight casts gentle shadows across the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple yet essential ingredients that each play a starring role in flavor and texture. From the sun-dried tomato oil that adds richness, to the fresh herbs that bring brightness, every element is thoughtfully chosen for the best taste experience.

3 – 4 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomato jar: Adds a silky, tangy depth that enhances every ingredient.

Juice of 1 lemon: Brings a fresh, zesty pop to brighten the salad flavors.
2 – 3 tablespoons honey: Balances acidity with a subtle natural sweetness.
Big pinch of salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all the tastes harmoniously.

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped: Offers chewy bursts of concentrated tomato flavor.
3 tablespoons capers, finely chopped: Add a tangy, briny kick that contrasts deliciously with sweeter elements.
3 – 4 servings pasta of choice: The hearty base that carries all flavors together; penne or fusilli work beautifully here.

4 cups of arugula: Peppery greens for freshness and a slight bite that complements creamy cheese perfectly.
3 cups tomatoes of choice, chopped: Use juicy, ripe tomatoes to add sweetness and vibrant color.
1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped: Smoky and tender, they are the star of this pasta salad’s flavor!

1 cup mini mozzarella balls: Creamy, mild, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these mozzarella pearls bring silky texture.
1/4 cup chopped dill and basil: Fresh herbs for an aromatic lift and herbal brightness.

How to Make Roasted Red Pepper Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with mixed colorful salad layers. The bottom layer has yellow and red cherry tomatoes that are smooth and round, topped with bright green arugula leaves that have a soft, leafy texture. Scattered across the top are small white mozzarella balls with a smooth surface. Over all the ingredients, there is finely chopped green herbs, adding a fresh and leafy look. Two wooden spoons are placed inside the bowl, one towards the top right and the other on the left side. Around the bowl, there are loose arugula leaves, some cherry tomatoes, and a white cloth with fringes on the bottom left corner. Nearby, there is a small white bowl with arugula and a wooden cutting board with leftover herb bits. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking together the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar, fresh lemon juice, honey, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. This dressing is the heart of the dish. The tanginess from lemon and capers, combined with sweet honey and rich oil, creates a perfectly balanced flavor that will coat every ingredient beautifully.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite yet tender. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. This step ensures your pasta salad remains lively and firm, not mushy, ready to soak up the vibrant dressing.

Step 3: Chop and Prep the Veggies and Cheese

While the pasta cools, finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes, capers, roasted red peppers, and herbs. Roughly chop your fresh tomatoes if they are large. Drain the mozzarella balls if they sit in brine. Preparing everything ahead lets you assemble quickly and keeps textures fresh and distinct.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, arugula, tomatoes, chopped roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and herbs. Pour over the dressing and gently toss to evenly coat every piece. Finally, fold in the mini mozzarella balls, giving the salad a creamy contrast. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve Roasted Red Pepper Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to add a finishing flourish, sprinkle extra fresh basil or dill on top just before serving to enhance that herbal fragrance. A light drizzle of good quality extra-virgin olive oil can add shine and a fresh, fruity note. Toasted pine nuts or crushed pistachios can also bring an unexpected crunch.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish to turn it into a full meal. Alternatively, serve alongside crusty artisan bread and a crisp green salad for a light, refreshing summer feast. It’s flexible enough to be a main or a vibrant side paired with almost anything!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, serve this Roasted Red Pepper Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe in colorful glass bowls to showcase its gorgeous layers and colors. Individual mason jars also make fun, portable servings for picnics. Garnish each portion with a sprig of fresh herbs and a twist of lemon zest to impress guests visually and taste-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors meld even more, so leftovers often taste even better the next day—just give it a good toss before serving again.

Freezing

Because of the fresh greens and mozzarella, freezing the full salad is not recommended as the texture will suffer. However, you can freeze cooked pasta and dressing separately if you want to prepare ingredients in advance.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’ve stored leftovers, simply remove from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors come alive again. Avoid microwaving as it can wilt the arugula and affect mozzarella texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh roasted red peppers instead of jarred?

Absolutely! Roasting your own red peppers adds a lovely smoky flavor and freshness, but jarred roasted red peppers work just as well for convenience without sacrificing taste.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini hold the dressing well and are easy to eat cold, making them perfect choices for this salad.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the mini mozzarella balls with vegan cheese alternatives or omit cheese altogether and add extra nuts or avocado for creaminess.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can prepare and toss most of the salad up to a day in advance, but it’s best to add fresh arugula and mozzarella just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Can I substitute other greens for arugula?

Of course! Baby spinach, mixed salad greens, or even kale work nicely, though arugula adds a unique peppery note that really complements the other flavors in the salad.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Roasted Red Pepper Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe enough for anyone craving a fresh, flavorful, and colorful dish that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s such a versatile recipe that shines on its own or alongside your favorite mains. Give it a try—you may just find your new go-to pasta salad to impress family and friends!

Roasted Red Pepper Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need