Go Back
- 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1 cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted - Salt and pepper to taste How to measure pasta and pesto accurately: When measuring pasta, use a kitchen scale for precise amounts. 8 oz of rotini pasta is about 2 cups dry. For pesto, a standard measuring cup works best. Fill it to the top for the right amount. Tips for selecting fresh ingredients: Choose firm and vibrant cherry tomatoes. Look for mozzarella balls that are smooth and shiny. Fresh basil should smell sweet and have bright green leaves. Always pick high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. First, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to taste. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Check the package for the cooking time, usually around 8-10 minutes. When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down. By rinsing, you keep it from becoming sticky. Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them. Next, toss in the fresh mozzarella balls. Then, tear the fresh basil leaves and add them to the mixture. Drizzle the basil pesto and olive oil over the ingredients. Toss everything gently. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the pesto. This helps all the flavors blend together. Next, season the salad with salt and pepper. Taste it to see if you need more. If you like, add toasted pine nuts for a nice crunch. Toss the salad again to mix in the pine nuts. Finally, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Before serving, give it one last toss to ensure everything is well mixed. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful dish! To make your Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad shine, focus on pairing fresh ingredients. The bright taste of cherry tomatoes complements the creamy mozzarella and the herbaceous pesto. Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Add salt and pepper at the end. This helps you control the taste. Start with a pinch, then taste. You can always add more later if needed. Serve your salad in a large, shallow dish. This makes it look inviting. You can also use individual bowls for a personal touch. For garnishing, add whole basil leaves on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil. This gives it a fresh and elegant look. If you have dietary needs, you can switch out ingredients. Use gluten-free pasta if you prefer. For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether. Adding proteins can make your salad heartier. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. If you want a vegetarian option, consider chickpeas or tofu. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, to boost nutrition and flavor. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even more exciting. For meat substitutes, try using grilled mushrooms or marinated artichokes. Both options add great flavor. You can also toss in more vegetables. Think about adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. These extra veggies boost nutrition and color. Want to make it heartier? Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein punch. They blend well with the flavors. If you prefer plant-based options, try adding tofu or chickpeas. Both are great sources of protein and keep the dish filling. Changing up the pesto can bring new life to this salad. Try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist. Each type brings its own unique taste. You can also play with cheese options. Instead of mozzarella, try feta or goat cheese. They add a tangy flavor that pairs nicely with the other ingredients. To keep your Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it right after serving. This helps keep the ingredients from wilting or getting soggy. If you have leftovers, make sure to seal them well. You can freeze the pasta salad if you want to save it longer. Place it in a freezer-safe container, but leave out the fresh basil and tomatoes. These do not freeze well. To reheat, thaw the salad in the fridge overnight. Then, add fresh basil and tomatoes before serving again. In the fridge, your salad can last about 3 to 5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold or if it smells off, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your salad while it’s fresh for the best taste! To make basil pesto, you'll need a few simple ingredients: - 2 cups fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1/3 cup pine nuts - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 garlic cloves - Salt to taste Here’s a quick recipe for homemade pesto: 1. Blend: Place the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. 2. Add Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth. 3. Mix Cheese: Add the Parmesan cheese. Pulse until fully combined. 4. Season: Taste and add salt as needed. This homemade pesto is fresh and perfect for your pasta salad. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta! Some of the best types are: - Brown rice pasta - Quinoa pasta - Chickpea pasta - Lentil pasta Cooking tips for gluten-free pasta include: - Cook according to the package instructions. - Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Rinse it under cold water after cooking to stop the process. These tips help you enjoy a tasty dish without gluten. You can serve many dishes with Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad. Some great options are: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein - A fresh green salad for extra veggies - Garlic bread for a crunchy side Popular pairing suggestions include: - A classic caprese salad for a full Italian theme - Roasted vegetables for a colorful plate - A light white wine to enhance the meal These pairings make your dining experience more delightful and satisfying. This blog post explored making a delicious Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad. We reviewed key ingredients, including rotini pasta and fresh mozzarella. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and mixing the salad. You learned tips for enhancing flavors and presentation. We also discussed variations and how to store the salad for optimal freshness. In closing, this salad is versatile and easy to make. Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy your tasty creation and share it with friends!

Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Looking for a refreshing dish? Try this Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad, perfect for summer gatherings or healthy lunches! Made with rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, this easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. Drizzled with homemade pesto and olive oil, it’s delightful and vibrant. Click through for the full recipe and impress your friends with this delicious salad! #PastaSalad #Pesto #Caprese #HealthyRecipes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1 cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted

Instructions
 

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.

      Drizzle the basil pesto and olive oil over the pasta and toss gently until everything is well coated.

        Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the toasted pine nuts and toss again for added crunch.

          Refrigerate the pasta salad for about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

            Toss the salad one more time before serving to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, shallow dish or individual bowls, garnished with a few whole basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant look.