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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Pesto Dressing

Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick, light, and satisfying pasta salad featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a zesty pesto dressing with lemon zest and garlic. Perfect for busy days or casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
  • For the zesty pesto dressing:
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  2. In a food processor, combine 1 cup basil leaves, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vinegar. Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes and roughly tear or chop 1 cup fresh basil leaves. Drain and pat dry 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the zesty pesto dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Rinsing pasta with cold water stops cooking and keeps pasta firm. Dry mozzarella to prevent watery dressing. Toast nuts for better flavor. Let salad rest chilled for best flavor. Add extra lemon juice before serving to brighten pesto. Can add red pepper flakes for heat.

Nutrition

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

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