Name: The Best Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces short pasta (fusilli or rotini); 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls; 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I have been perfecting this recipe for years, and I am thrilled to share it with you. This truly is The Best Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad because it combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with the rich, herbaceous taste of fresh pesto. It is incredibly easy to make, uses simple, high-quality ingredients, and is always a hit at potlucks and family dinners. You will love how the creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil pesto come together in every single bite. For another fantastic summer dish, check out my Easy Greek Pasta Salad.

Ingredients

8 ounces (225g) short pasta, such as fusilli or rotini
1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella pearls, drained
1/2 cup (120ml) homemade or store-bought basil pesto
1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (30ml) balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off any excess water and transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Add the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil to the bowl with the pasta. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture.

Gently toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the pesto dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For the best flavor, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making this The Best Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad you will ever try.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 generous servings as a main dish or 6 to 8 servings as a side. The total preparation time is about 20 minutes, plus an optional 30 minutes of chilling time. It is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead lunch.

Variations

You can easily customize this salad to suit your preferences. For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. If you want a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. You can also swap the cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor. To make it dairy-free, use a vegan mozzarella alternative and a dairy-free pesto. For a different twist, try using orzo or bowtie pasta instead of fusilli. I also love adding a handful of toasted pine nuts for a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor, which elevates this dish to The Best Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there is no need to reheat it. If the salad seems dry after storing, simply stir in a little extra olive oil or a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving. For another delicious make-ahead option, try my Creamy Macaroni Salad.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely. While homemade pesto is wonderful, a high-quality store-bought version works very well. Just look for one made with fresh basil, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. You can learn more about the traditional ingredients of pesto on this Wikipedia article about pesto.

What type of pasta is best for this salad?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, farfalle, or penne work best because their nooks and crannies hold the pesto dressing perfectly. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead recipe. In fact, letting it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to develop even more, making it The Best Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad.

How do I prevent the mozzarella from becoming rubbery?

Use fresh mozzarella pearls or small balls of fresh mozzarella, not the low-moisture block kind. Fresh mozzarella stays soft and creamy in the salad. You can read more about different types of mozzarella on this Wikipedia article about mozzarella.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by simply using your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

I truly believe this is The Best Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad recipe out there. It is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly simple to pull together. Whether you are serving it at a barbecue, packing it for a picnic, or just enjoying it for a light dinner, it always delivers. I hope you love making and eating this salad as much as I do. Give it a try and let me know what you think.