Irresistible Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

When you think of a dish that dances on your palate while tickling your nose, the Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad comes to mind. Imagine fresh basil mingling with luscious creaminess, all hugging perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a symphony of flavors that beckons you to take another bite, and then another, until the bowl is empty and your heart is full.

This salad isn’t just food; it’s a memory-maker. Picture yourself at a summer picnic or a backyard barbecue, laughter ringing through the air as the sun sets. You serve this dish, and suddenly you’re the culinary superstar of the gathering. Friends rave about it, asking for the secret recipe while you try to maintain an air of mystery—after all, we can’t let everyone in on how easy it is!

I remember the first time I made this pasta salad for my family’s summer reunion; they practically ate it off my plate!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use any short pasta like fusilli or rotini that holds onto sauces beautifully.

• Fresh Basil: Go for vibrant green leaves, as they add a fragrant kick to the dressing.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Choose plump, juicy ones for bursts of flavor in every bite.

• Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Opt for bite-sized mozzarella pearls, adding creaminess and texture.

• Pesto Sauce: Homemade or store-bought works wonders; just ensure it’s packed with flavor!

• Heavy Cream: This makes the salad wonderfully rich and indulgent.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle adds depth and enhances all those fresh flavors.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

**Cook the Pasta**: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in your chosen pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions.

**Prepare the Dressing**: While pasta cooks, blend pesto sauce with heavy cream in a bowl until smooth. The aroma should be heavenly as basil wafts through your kitchen.

**Chop Fresh Ingredients**: Rinse cherry tomatoes under cold water and slice them in half. You’ll want those juicy bursts when you bite into them!

**Combine Everything**: Drain the pasta once cooked, but don’t rinse! In a large mixing bowl, combine warm pasta with pesto cream and gently fold in tomatoes and mozzarella balls.

**Season & Serve**: Add salt and pepper to taste while drizzling olive oil over everything. Toss gently until well mixed; serve immediately or chill for later enjoyment.

**Garnish & Enjoy**: For an extra touch, sprinkle more fresh basil on top right before serving. Gather everyone around as you proudly present your masterpiece!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta while preparing the pesto sauce. Toss in the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella right before serving for the freshest taste.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients; try sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh or add grilled chicken for extra protein.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, enjoy cold or at room temperature without reheating.

Sharing this recipe always brings back fond memories of my friends’ reactions at a picnic—everyone loved it! Their smiles made all that stirring worth it!

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a few hours in advance and chill for enhanced flavors.

What type of pasta is best for this salad?

Short pasta like fusilli or penne works best as they hold onto the pesto.

How can I make it vegan?

Substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese and use nutritional yeast to replicate creaminess.

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Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

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• Author: Tiffani Brooks
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta, fresh basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. Tossed in a luscious pesto cream sauce, it’s ideal for summer picnics or cozy dinners. Easy to prepare and delightful to eat, this salad will impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe!

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz short pasta (e.g., fusilli or rotini)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bite-sized)
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the dressing: In a bowl, combine pesto sauce and heavy cream until smooth.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add warm pasta, dressing, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Gently toss to combine.
4. Season & serve: Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill for later enjoyment.
5. Garnish with additional fresh basil before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg