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Colorful pesto caprese pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.

Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Fresh, colorful and bursting with classic Caprese flavors, this easy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad comes together in about 20 minutes with rotini pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and pesto. It's the perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, cookouts, barbecues and summer dinners.
5 from 13 votes
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 367kcal
Author: Megan Porta

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Rotini pasta cooked al dente, drained
  • 8 oz tomatoes cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve!
    16 oz Rotini pasta, 8 oz tomatoes, 8 oz mozzarella pearls, 1/2 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup pesto, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper

Video

Notes

  • Cook the pasta just until al dente so it holds its shape after chilling.
  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  • If the pasta absorbs some of the dressing after refrigeration, stir in a drizzle of olive oil or an extra spoonful of pesto before serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a complete meal, add grilled chicken. Freshly grated Parmesan or toasted pine nuts also make delicious toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 244mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 472IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 1mg
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