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Caprese Pasta Salad


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing, colorful summer favorite that combines juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil with perfectly cooked rotini pasta tossed in a flavorful pesto dressing. This easy-to-make, vibrant dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch, and is guaranteed to be a hit wherever it’s served.


Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz mozzarella pearls, drained

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1/3 cup pesto sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. While pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and drain the mozzarella pearls. Tear basil leaves if large.

3. In a large mixing bowl, toss cooled pasta with pesto and olive oil until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Gently fold in the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Mix carefully to avoid breaking the cheese.

5. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

6. Chill for 15–30 minutes if desired before serving.

Notes

Serving size: About 1 cup

Calories: 360

Sugar: 3g

Sodium: 320mg

Fat: 18g

Saturated fat: 6g

Unsaturated fat: 11g

Trans fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 20mg

Carbohydrates: 36g

Fiber: 2g

Protein: 12g

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Salad
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 cup
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: caprese pasta salad, pesto pasta salad, summer pasta recipe