Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad, a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. This delightful salad combines al dente pasta, fresh basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. It’s not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but also makes a stunning centerpiece for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Customize it with grilled chicken or turkey for added protein, making it a versatile choice for your meal planning. With each bite bursting with freshness and flavor, this salad is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fusilli or medium shell pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup small mozzarella balls (ciliegine, drained)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Aged balsamic vinegar or glaze
- 1/4 cup lightly toasted pine nuts
- 2 small garlic cloves
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.
- In a food processor, blend pine nuts and garlic until finely chopped. Add basil, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; process until smooth.
- Toss cooled pasta with pesto in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar or glaze before garnishing with fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 42g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, incorporate grilled chicken or turkey. Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to enhance flavors. Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers or olives for variety.