Description
Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish that combines basil pesto, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tender pasta into a flavorful, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch, this pasta salad is full of fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 1 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling on tomatoes)
For the pesto dressing:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. Set aside to cool.
- In a food processor or blender, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse to combine. Slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Add lemon juice if using and pulse again.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and pesto dressing. Toss gently to coat.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and toss to coat. Garnish with fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if desired.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors marinate before serving.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
- For a vegan version, swap mozzarella for vegan cheese and use dairy-free pesto.
- Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or arugula for extra texture.
- If you want it creamier, add ricotta or Greek yogurt to the pesto.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Lunch
- Method: Mixing, Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
