Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad: Your Ultimate Summer Delight

This Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish perfect for summer picnics or casual get-togethers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Chilling Time 30

Total Time 55

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Salad

8 ounces Rotini Pasta can substitute with gluten-free pasta
2 cups Cherry Tomatoes halved
1 cup Mozzarella Pearls or burrata for a richer option
1 cup Basil Pesto homemade or store-bought
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil good quality recommended
2 tablespoons Balsamic Glaze or balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves for garnish
to taste Salt
to taste Pepper

For Serving

1/4 cup Additional Basil or Arugula for garnish
1/4 cup Toasted Nuts like pine nuts or sliced almonds

Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
spatula

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls. Mix gently.
Drizzle basil pesto and extra virgin olive oil over the pasta mixture. Toss until evenly coated.
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with balsamic glaze, garnish with fresh basil, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chill the salad for enhanced flavors. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Customize with different proteins or herbs as desired.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!