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