Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and utterly satisfying pasta dish, look no further than this Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad. This recipe takes everything you love about the classic Caprese salad—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil—and brings it together with tender pasta and a homemade pesto dressing. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together for maximum flavor, perfect for everything from summer picnics to quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a huge shopping list to make the magic happen here. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing unique texture, color, and bursts of flavor to this Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad. Stick with the freshest items you can find and your salad will shine!

• Pasta: Choose a sturdy short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle so it holds up beautifully under the dressing and mix-ins.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These bring a pop of sweetness and color, plus their juicy insides mix well with pesto.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Bocconcini or small mozzarella balls add creamy, mellow flavor and luxurious texture.
• Basil: Torn fresh basil leaves in both the salad and pesto bring that quintessential herbal aroma.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides peppery richness and silkiness to the homemade pesto.
• Pine Nuts: Classic for pesto—though walnuts work well as a wallet-friendly option.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory kick to the pesto and helps everything cling together.
• Garlic: A single clove goes a long way toward giving depth and zing to your pesto dressing.
• Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning the pesto just right, making all the flavors pop.
• Lemon Juice (optional): A splash brightens the whole salad with a fresh, zesty note.

How to Make Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop in your favorite short pasta—penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work beautifully here. Give it a good stir and cook according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles from sticking together. Let it cool completely while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Pesto Dressing

Place fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan, extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts (or walnuts), garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse everything together until the mixture is mostly smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. If you prefer your pesto a little looser, just drizzle in a tablespoon or two of water or additional olive oil until silky. Taste it! Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you want extra brightness—it truly makes the pesto sing.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss your cooled pasta with enough pesto to thoroughly coat every piece. There’s something so satisfying about the pasta turning vibrant green in seconds! Next, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella balls so they’re evenly distributed. Try not to overmix—the salad should look abundant and well-balanced.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

The final flourish: sprinkle torn basil leaves over the top for a hit of freshness and an irresistible look. This Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is delicious straight from the fridge or slightly closer to room temperature. If you can resist digging in right away, let it sit for about 15 minutes so all the flavors can meld even more.

How to Serve Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A few extra torn basil leaves, a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of good olive oil take your Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad from tasty to showstopping. For added crunch, try sprinkling on a handful of toasted pine nuts. If you have really ripe tomatoes, a few extra on top make for gorgeous color and juicy bites.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with warm, crusty bread or a loaf of garlicky focaccia for a meal that feels right out of an Italian picnic. Light green salads, grilled chicken, or slices of prosciutto all complement the bold, herbal flavors without overpowering them. Honestly, it can also be the star of any potluck or picnic spread—this salad loves to share the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad in a big, colorful bowl for family-style sharing, or portion it into individual mason jars for adorable and portable picnic servings. For a party, try threading the salad components onto skewers and serving pesto sauce alongside for dipping. Guests will love the playful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prepping or next-day lunches. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, so a quick stir before serving is all that’s needed to refresh it.

Freezing

While pesto can handle freezing, assembled Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad isn’t ideal for the freezer—the tomatoes and cheese won’t keep their texture upon thawing. For best results, freeze the pesto separately in small portions. When you’re ready, just defrost and toss with fresh pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you’d like to serve it slightly warmer (especially in cooler months), let it rest on the counter for 30 minutes before serving, giving it an occasional stir so the flavors mingle again.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto gives an unbeatable fresh flavor, a high-quality store-bought pesto can make this recipe come together even faster. Just taste and adjust for seasoning as some jarred pestos can be more salty or oily than homemade.

What pasta shape works best for Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or fusilli are best. They hold the pesto dressing and mingle with the other ingredients without falling apart. Avoid long shapes like spaghetti—it’s all about getting those perfect bites!

How can I make this salad nut-free?

No worries! Simply skip the nuts altogether or use toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar richness in your pesto. The salad will still be absolutely delicious and safe for nut-free diners.

Is Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad vegetarian?

Yes, this salad is naturally vegetarian, especially when using a Parmesan made without animal rennet. Double-check your cheese to keep it fully vegetarian if you’re cooking for anyone who avoids animal products.

Can I add protein to make it more filling?

Definitely! Try adding cooked and diced chicken breast, grilled shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. These options make the Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad a hearty main course that keeps everyone happily satisfied.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that feels effortless but tastes like summer on a plate, you truly can’t go wrong with Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple, classic ingredients can deliver so much joy. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy it!

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