Name: Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle); 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or diced mozzarella; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish); 1 cup fresh basil leaves; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (for pesto); 2 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts); 1 clove garlic; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ of a lemon juice (optional)

You’ll Love this Bright and Flavorful Pasta Salad!

Picture this: a sun-drenched summer afternoon, a lightweight breeze, and a bowl of Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors. 🍅✨ This recipe is your new go-to for any occasion—quick to whip up, vibrant in color, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! What more could you want?

Why Make This Recipe

This pasta salad is not just pretty to look at, but also it’s a breeze to make! Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

Quick Cleanup: With just one bowl to toss everything in, you can spend more time enjoying the sun and less time scrubbing dishes.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun shapes of the pasta and the creamy mozzarella, and you can sneak in some greens without them even noticing!
Versatile: Serve it as a side, a main dish, or a potluck favorite—everyone will be asking for your secret!

But let’s be real, who doesn’t appreciate having an absolutely delicious meal in 30 minutes flat? 🙌

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

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 (for pesto)
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil (for pesto)
2 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts)
1 clove garlic
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of ½ a lemon (optional)

Directions

Time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Pesto Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine 1 cup fresh basil leaves, Parmesan, ⅓ cup olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Adjust the Consistency: If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or extra olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the pesto dressing, ensuring every piece is coated evenly.
Add the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle torn basil leaves (¼ cup) over the salad for freshness and presentation.
Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: For best flavor, let the salad sit for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Make Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad (Overview)

Alright, let’s recap how to put this beauty together! Start by cooking your favorite short pasta to perfection, then whip up a creamy pesto that will make your taste buds do a little dance. Don’t forget to give it a taste—who secretly enjoys finding the right balance of flavors? Toss it all together with fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and mozzarella, let it sit for a few minutes, and voila! Pro tip: The longer it sits, the better those flavors meld together, so feel free to make it ahead of time. 😉

How to Serve Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

This salad is as versatile as it is delicious! Serve it in a bright bowl for gatherings, or pack it up in jars for an on-the-go lunch. The pops of red from the tomatoes, the creaminess of the mozzarella, and the lush green basil make it visually stunning. 🌿✨ Drizzle a bit more olive oil on top before serving for that extra touch of decadence and flavor!

How to Store Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Got leftovers? No problem! This salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just be sure it’s in an airtight container. For best results, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. Planning to make it ahead? Just toss everything right before serving to keep that fresh flavor intact.

Tips to Make Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Don’t skip toasting the pine nuts for the pesto. It gives an amazing depth of flavor!
Switch up the pasta shape to keep it interesting—farfalle (bowties) one day, penne the next!
If you want a little heat, throw in some red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? You can easily make this recipe vegan by swapping the mozzarella for your favorite vegan cheese and omitting the Parmesan. Want more texture? Throw in some roasted veggies for a seasonal twist!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! It’s a timesaver, and just as tasty in a pinch.
How can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Prep everything and keep the pesto separate until you’re ready to serve to keep the pasta fresh.
Is this recipe healthy?
You bet! With fresh veggies, healthy fats, and whole pasta, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!