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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Pesto Dressing

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A fresh and vibrant pasta salad combining sun-ripened tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a zesty pesto dressing. Perfect for quick meals, potlucks, or warm weather dining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli
  • 2 cups (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella pearls or small bocconcini, drained
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup (30 g) fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts (or walnuts as a budget-friendly option)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, add 1/3 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp pine nuts, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes into a food processor. Pulse to combine. Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil while pulsing until smooth but still slightly textured. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Transfer cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour in the pesto dressing and toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the mixture feels too thick.
  4. Gently fold in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 8 oz mozzarella pearls, and 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves. Toss lightly to combine all the flavors without smashing the cheese or tomatoes.
  5. Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves. Add a crack of black pepper on top if desired.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen pesto dressing for a creamy texture. Use fresh herbs and good quality olive oil for best flavor. Toss gently after adding mozzarella and tomatoes to avoid breaking them. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and toss with olive oil or lemon juice before serving to freshen.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, pesto dressing, fresh pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, Italian salad, mozzarella salad, basil pesto

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-zesty-pesto-dressing/