This Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing delight! With tasty pasta, fresh tomatoes, and creamy pesto dressing, it’s perfect for any occasion.
You can whip this salad up in no time. I love how it combines bright flavors and creamy textures—it’s like summer in a bowl! 🍅🍝
Just toss everything together and enjoy! It’s a great dish to bring to a picnic or serve as a side. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is fun because it holds the sauce well, but any pasta like fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free options work too. Choose what you prefer or have on hand!
Pesto: Homemade pesto is fresher, but store-bought saves time. If you’re vegan, substitute with nutritional yeast and blended spinach or arugula for a yummy, creamy alternative.
Cherry Tomatoes: A mix of red and yellow not only looks great but also tastes delightful! If out of season, try sun-dried tomatoes or halved grape tomatoes as a substitute.
Mozzarella Balls: Bocconcini or ciliegine are perfect, but you can use cubed mozzarella cheese or even a vegan mozzarella for a plant-based twist!
Fresh Basil: Freshness is key, but if you’re in a pinch, use fresh spinach or arugula for a different but delicious flavor. Dried basil doesn’t have the same punch, so use it sparingly.
How Do You Cook Pasta Perfectly and Keep It From Getting Mushy?
Cooking pasta until just right is crucial to a great salad! Follow these steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a full boil, add salt (it enhances flavor!).
- Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente.
- Once cooked, drain it but do not rinse unless specified. Rinsing can wash away some flavor.
- To cool it quickly, rinse under cold water briefly. This stops the pasta from cooking further.
Trust me, keeping an eye on the clock is important here! Overcooked pasta can ruin your salad’s texture.
Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 oz orecchiette or your pasta of choice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow for color)
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 8 oz mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pesto and Dressings:
- 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Optional Garnish:
- Pine nuts or walnuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes for refrigeration. You’ll whip up this colorful and delicious pasta salad in no time, with just a little wait for the flavors to blend perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling happily, toss in your orecchiette or pasta of choice. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set it aside to cool.
2. Mix the Salads Ingredients:
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your cooled pasta to it. Now, add the pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and the chopped fresh basil. It’s like throwing a colorful party in a bowl!
3. Add Olive Oil and Season:
Drizzle the olive oil over your pasta mix and sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese. Now it’s time to season with salt and pepper to your taste. Gently toss everything together so that the pasta and veggies are well-coated in that lovely pesto sauce.
4. Garnish for Extra Crunch:
If you’re feeling fancy and want some extra texture, toss in some pine nuts or walnuts on top. They add a great crunch and flavor!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover your pasta salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully. Once you’re ready to serve, enjoy this dish chilled or at room temperature; it works great as a refreshing side or a light meal!
Dig in and enjoy your Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is a great choice, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well in the salad. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose!
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Mozzarella?
No problem! If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, you can substitute it with cubed regular mozzarella cheese or even a block of cheddar for a twist. Just ensure whatever cheese you use is diced into bite-sized pieces for ease of eating!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, it’s simple to make this salad vegan! Just replace the mozzarella with vegan cheese or tofu cubes, and omit the parmesan. You can also use a nutritional yeast sprinkle for a cheesy flavor without dairy!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the pasta salad, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil and toss it before serving, as the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time. Enjoy your leftovers!
