Why You’ll Love Irresistibly Fresh Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
This pasta salad is quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and ideal for picnics, barbecues, lunch, or dinner. It combines the bright flavors of a traditional Caprese salad with the heartiness of pasta, offering a dish that’s both light and filling. Plus, it’s highly customizable — you can add proteins, switch up pasta shapes, or make dietary substitutions to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Short pasta (like penne or fusilli)
• Fresh mozzarella (bite‑size pieces or pearls)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Basil pesto (store‑bought or homemade)
• Extra‑virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.
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Add the basil pesto and drizzle with extra‑virgin olive oil.
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Season with salt and pepper, and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with pesto.
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Serve immediately for a fresh meal or chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Servings and timing
• Servings: 4 (approximate)
• Prep time: ~15 minutes
• Cook time: ~10 minutes
• Chill time (optional): ~15 minutes
Variations
• Gluten‑free: Use gluten‑free pasta to make it suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Extra veggies: Incorporate roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Nutty crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Storage/Reheating
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended with fresh ingredients, but you can freeze cooked pasta and pesto separately and mix fresh ingredients after thawing.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If reheating pasta, do so gently in the microwave and then re‑mix with fresh ingredients.
FAQs
What pasta shapes work best in this salad?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or orecchiette work well because they hold the pesto and mix evenly with the ingredients.
Can I use store‑bought pesto?
Yes, store‑bought pesto is a convenient and flavorful option if you don’t want to make pesto from scratch.
How long will this pasta salad keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
Should the pasta be hot or cold when mixing?
You can mix the salad when the pasta is slightly warm or completely cooled — both work well.
Can I add balsamic vinegar?
Yes, a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze adds a tangy touch.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, it’s vegetarian. You can make it vegan by swapping mozzarella for a plant‑based alternative.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prepping the components in advance and tossing them together just before serving helps keep the salad fresh.
What’s a good way to serve this salad?
Serve as a side dish at BBQs, picnics, or as a light lunch. It pairs well with grilled protein or a crisp green salad.
Can I add olives or other extras?
Absolutely! Olives, roasted veggies, or red onion add more flavor and texture.
Can I use burrata instead of mozzarella?
Yes, burrata gives a creamier texture and works wonderfully in this salad.
Conclusion
Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for many occasions. Its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and adaptability make it a go‑to choice for summer meals, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners. With plenty of room for customization, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Irresistibly Fresh Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
This Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish combining the flavors of classic caprese with pasta and pesto. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light meal, it features cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and a rich basil pesto.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (such as rotini or bowtie)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
- Add the basil pesto and olive oil. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve cold.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought pesto depending on preference and time.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a dietary variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
