Why Make This Recipe

Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also vibrant and fresh. It’s perfect for warm days, potlucks, or picnics. The combination of flavors from the basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella makes this dish a hit with everyone. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Make Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 small cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 lb pasta (orecchiette, rotini, or gluten-free pasta)
1 1/2 lbs cherry tomatoes
10 ounces small mozzarella cheese balls
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
A handful of fresh basil leaves
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a food processor, mix the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Slowly add the olive oil while the processor is running until fully mixed.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
Pour the pesto over the pasta and mix well to combine.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese if you want.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is great as a main dish or a side. You can serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a buffet. It looks beautiful on a platter and tastes even better, so it’s sure to impress everyone at your gathering.

How to Store Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. If the pasta seems dry when you serve it after storing, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil over it to refresh it.

Tips to Make Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh basil and good-quality olive oil make a big difference.
You can customize this recipe by adding veggies like bell peppers or olives.
For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes to your pesto.

Variation

You can easily adapt this recipe to a vegan option by omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein if you want a heartier meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a few hours before serving. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it.

2. What type of pasta is best to use?
Any pasta that holds up well will work. Orecchiette and rotini are great choices, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this salad gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.