Description
A refreshing and vibrant Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or diced mozzarella
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves for the dressing
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ a lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Pesto Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, Parmesan, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or extra olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the pesto dressing, ensuring every piece is coated evenly.
- Add the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle torn basil leaves over the salad for freshness and presentation. Let the salad sit for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Cherry Tomatoes add sweetness and a juiciness to the salad.
- Fresh Mozzarella balances the bold flavors of the pesto.
- Using a sturdy pasta shape helps hold the dressing and ingredients effectively.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Pesto, Caprese, Pasta Salad, Summer Salad, Italian Salad