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overhead view of pesto pasta salad in a bowl
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Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad is a nostalgic favorite from my childhood—bright, fresh, and full of flavor. Pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil come together with a tangy vinaigrette for a simple summer side that never gets old.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 12 as a potluck side
Calories: 354kcal
Author: Nora from Savory Nothings

Ingredients

  • 1 (16-oz) box rotini pasta
  • ½ cup basil pesto or to taste
  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 (8-oz) container small mozzarella balls halved (you can use 2 containers if you like more cheese)
  • ½ cup parmesan shavings optional but very delicious!
  • ½ cup finely shredded fresh basil
  • 1 cup balsamic vinaigrette store-bought or homemade recipe from notes

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt well, then cook the pasta according to package directions until just al-dente (cooked, but retaining a bite). Drain and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch (this prevents sticking and mushiness) and to cool pasta down.
    cooked pasta in colander
  • Drain pasta well, then place in a large salad bowl. Stir in the pesto.
    pasta and pesto in bowl
  • Add all remaining ingredients EXCEPT for the dressing to the pasta and toss to combine.
    pasta salad being assembled
  • Add enough to dressing to nicely coat everything (you may have some dressing left over - we will use it later; refrigerate remaining dressing until ready to use).
  • Cover and refrigerate at least one hour and up to overnight. Toss before serving and add more dressing as needed (the pasta tends to soak up dressing as it sits, which can lead to a dry salad - I always keep some extra dressing on hand to add right before serving).
    pesto caprese pasta salad being served

Notes

Homemade dressing (makes about 1 cup)
  • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons runny honey
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon dried garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Store in the fridge in a clean, tightly sealed jar for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 289mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 606IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 1mg