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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Zesty Pesto Dressing

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A vibrant and refreshing Caprese pasta salad with a zesty pesto dressing, combining cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and pasta for a quick and easy summer dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or diced fresh mozzarella
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: Kalamata olives

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it. Set aside to drain well for about 5 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup pesto, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and chopped fresh basil leaves.
  5. Pour the zesty pesto dressing over the salad.
  6. Gently toss everything together using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to coat evenly without crushing the tomatoes or cheese.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors marry.
  8. Just before serving, sprinkle with optional toasted pine nuts or red pepper flakes for added texture and heat.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente is best. Rinse pasta under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Use fresh basil and fresh mozzarella for best flavor and texture. Lemon juice in the dressing adds brightness. For best freshness, keep dressing separate if making ahead and toss just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, pesto dressing, easy pasta salad, summer salad, fresh basil, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, quick recipe

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-zesty-pesto-dressing/