Description
A vibrant and delicious Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad that combines the fresh flavors of basil, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes with a creamy pesto dressing.
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
â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 clove garlic
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of ½ a lemon
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a food processor, combine the pesto dressing ingredients: fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and torn basil leaves.
- Pour the pesto dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.
Notes
Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or olives for extra flavor. This salad can be served as a main dish or as a side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad, pasta salad, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella