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The Ultimate Easy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

A white bowl filled with pesto caprese pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, and small mozzarella balls.
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Make this bright, fresh Caprese Pasta Salad quickly. It combines classic Italian flavors with creamy pesto, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or small shell pasta
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini), drained
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and ingredient mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Notes

  • For a heartier meal, add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken.
  • If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half of the pesto with fresh lemon juice.
  • This salad works well for meal planning; it keeps well for up to three days in the refrigerator.
  • If you are preparing this for a party, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving for visual appeal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-pesto/