Name: Quick & Easy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound short pasta (rotini or penne); 1 cup prepared basil pesto; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper to taste

Quick & Easy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

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Make this refreshing pesto pasta salad featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil. It is simple, flavorful, and perfect for potlucks or quick summer meals.

Author: purejoyalex
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound short pasta (rotini or penne)
1 cup prepared basil pesto
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain well.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, and halved mozzarella balls.
Add the chopped fresh basil and toasted pine nuts, if using.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Pour this dressing over the pasta mixture.
Gently toss all ingredients until the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto.
Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to combine.
Serve the salad cold. This recipe is great for meal planning.

Notes

For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the salad up to one day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator.
If you prefer a lighter flavor, use less pesto or thin the pesto slightly with an extra tablespoon of olive oil before tossing.
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 450
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 8
Unsaturated Fat: 20
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 3
Protein: 14
Cholesterol: 30

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/pesto-pasta-salad-quick-easy-caprese/