Description
Fresh and flavorful Caprese Pasta Salad with Pesto, featuring rotini pasta, mozzarella pearls, juicy tomatoes, and basil tossed in a rich pesto dressing.
Ingredients
Rotini pasta – 1½ cups
Pesto – 3 tbsp (or to taste)
Extra-virgin olive oil – 1 tbsp
Salt – ¼ tsp
Granulated garlic – ¼ tsp
Black pepper – ⅛ tsp
Grape tomatoes (halved) – ½ cup
Fresh mozzarella pearls – ½ cup
Fresh basil leaves (shredded) – 2 leaves
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain and cool slightly.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk pesto, olive oil, salt, garlic, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add warm pasta to the pesto mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Fold in tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and shredded basil. Mix gently.
5. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture.
Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the pesto flavor.
Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg