If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and color, the Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is your new go-to. This delightful pasta salad is packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, zesty pesto, and the perfect balsamic vinaigrette to tie it all together. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and sure to impress everyone at your next gathering or weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe, it’ll become one of your favorite crowd-pleasers for good reason!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple list of ingredients brings together freshness, texture, and bold flavor in perfect harmony. Each item plays a key role in making the Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe shine, from the al dente pasta to the bright basil and melty mozzarella.
- Rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds pesto and dressing beautifully for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Basil pesto: Adds an herby, garlicky richness that’s truly the heart of this salad.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they bring a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
- Small mozzarella balls: Creamy texture and mild flavor perfectly balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Parmesan shavings: Optional but highly recommended for adding a nutty, savory kick.
- Fresh basil: Finely shredded for an extra hit of fragrant green goodness.
- Balsamic vinaigrette: The sweet and tangy dressing that ties the whole salad together with a delicious punch.
How to Make Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. The key here is not to overcook it—firm pasta ensures your salad won’t get mushy when tossed with the dressing. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and wash away excess starch, which helps keep the pasta from sticking together.
Step 2: Mix in the Pesto
Drain the pasta thoroughly, then transfer it to a large salad bowl. Stir in the basil pesto while the pasta is still slightly warm so each piece gets coated evenly. This step infuses the pasta with that signature herby flavor and makes it the delicious base of your Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Ingredients
Next, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, parmesan shavings (if using), and the finely shredded fresh basil. These ingredients provide a fantastic mix of texture and flavor—creamy, juicy, fresh, and cheesy—all in every bite. Toss gently to combine so everything is distributed beautifully without squashing the delicate mozzarella or tomatoes.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Now it’s time to add your balsamic vinaigrette. Pour in just enough to coat everything nicely—you don’t want it swimming, but you want that perfect balance of tang and sweetness to elevate every element. You might have some dressing left over, which is great; it can be refrigerated and added later if the salad starts to dry out.
Step 5: Chill and Marinate
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least one hour, or up to overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the pasta soaks up the dressing, making every forkful flavorful and tender. Just before serving, give it a good toss and add more dressing if needed to refresh the salad’s vibrancy.
How to Serve Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A few extra fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of parmesan shavings make perfect garnishes that enhance the vibrant look and fresh aroma of the salad. If you want a little extra crunch, some toasted pine nuts can be a delicious addition as well.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, summery meal. It also complements hearty sandwiches or antipasto platters beautifully, making it a flexible side dish for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or large mozzarella cups to wow your guests. Layer it in a clear trifle dish for parties to show off all those layers of color, or pack it in mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches that still feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again, and add a bit more vinaigrette if it seems dry.
Freezing
Because of the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, freezing this pasta salad isn’t recommended. The texture of these ingredients would suffer, losing their fresh, creamy appeal.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors bloom even more. Avoid reheating as it can wilt the fresh ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding the pesto and dressing, penne, farfalle, or fusilli are great alternatives. Just choose a pasta that can hold onto the sauce well.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?
Homemade pesto offers a fresher, brighter flavor, but a good-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly for this recipe and saves time without sacrificing taste.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply swap out the mozzarella for a vegan cheese alternative or marinated tofu, and use a vegan pesto and dressing. The salad will still be delicious and fresh.
How long can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and toss in some extra dressing before serving to refresh the flavors and moisture.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
Try adding grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or white beans for protein and extra substance. These additions make it a full meal while keeping it light and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is an easy, flavorful, and irresistible dish perfect for any season or occasion. Its delightful combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant colors makes it stand out both on the table and on the palate. Once you make this, you’ll see why it’s become a beloved classic that friends and family keep asking for—so go ahead, whip it up and share the love!
Print
Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant and refreshing Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad combines al dente rotini pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, fragrant basil pesto, and savory parmesan shavings. Tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and chilled to allow flavors to meld, this salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) box rotini pasta
Dressing and Sauce
- ½ cup basil pesto (or to taste)
- 1 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)
Salad Add-ins
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 (8-oz) container small mozzarella balls, halved (use 2 containers for more cheese if desired)
- ½ cup parmesan shavings (optional but very delicious)
- ½ cup finely shredded fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salting it generously. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until just al dente, meaning it should be tender but still have a firm bite. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and cool it down, which helps prevent the pasta from sticking together and becoming mushy.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Drain the cooled pasta well and transfer to a large salad bowl. Stir in the basil pesto evenly to coat all the pasta with its fragrant, herbaceous flavor.
- Add Salad Ingredients: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, parmesan shavings, and shredded fresh basil to the bowl with the pesto-coated pasta. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the ingredients are well combined without breaking the delicate mozzarella.
- Dress the Salad: Pour enough balsamic vinaigrette over the salad to lightly coat all the ingredients, tossing to distribute the dressing. There may be some dressing left over; reserve this and refrigerate it for adding later if needed.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Toss the salad again before serving and add any reserved dressing if the pasta has absorbed some and the salad feels dry.
Notes
- Rinsing the pasta after cooking is key to stopping the cooking process and preventing it from becoming mushy.
- You can use store-bought pesto and balsamic vinaigrette, or make your own for a fresher flavor.
- Adjust the amount of pesto and dressing to your taste preference; add more if you love extra saucy salad.
- For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure pesto contains no cheese.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be brought back to room temperature before serving if preferred.
- Make ahead up to one day in advance for even better flavor infusion.
