Best 2 Pesto Pasta Caprese Salad Recipes

Indulge in a culinary journey that harmonizes the vibrant flavors of Italy with this delectable Pesto Pasta Caprese Salad recipe. Embark on a delightful adventure as you explore the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this tantalizing dish. From the aromatic basil pesto to the juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tender pasta, each bite promises a burst of freshness and satisfaction. Accompanying this main course is a refreshing Caprese Salad, a classic combination of ripe tomatoes, velvety mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Get ready to awaken your taste buds and immerse yourself in the culinary wonders of Italy with this irresistible duo.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PESTO CAPRESE PASTA SALAD

Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad image

This is a delicious Pasta salad! All the flavors of a Caprese salad with wonderful Pesto and pasta added. Great for a side dish or even the main course. You can even take this further and add some strips of hard salami or pepperoni.

Provided by FLUFFSTER

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

8 ounces dried rigatoni pasta or 8 ounces other medium-size pasta
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese (1/2-inch cubes)
1/3 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
cooking time represents the cooking of the pasta

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni until just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto and Parmesan cheese to the pasta. Toss gently. Taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper if necessary.
If making ahead and storing in the refrigerator, remove the salad from the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving, if possible.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368.5, Fat 12.6, SaturatedFat 6.5, Cholesterol 81, Sodium 383.7, Carbohydrate 44.3, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 1.5, Protein 19.6

PESTO PASTA CAPRESE SALAD

Pesto Pasta Caprese Salad image

The traditional Caprese salad is modified to pasta form. The mozzarella used is a fresh mozzarella, if you use the brick style, it will not be the same. If you can't find the pearlini mozzarella, use the cieglini and cut it in half. Regular rotini pasta can be used but the cooking time will be different.

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories Side Dish

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 ½ cups rotini pasta
3 tablespoons pesto, or to taste
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon granulated garlic
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup halved grape tomatoes
½ cup small (pearlini) fresh mozzarella balls
2 leaves fresh basil leaves, finely shredded

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
Mix pesto, olive oil, salt, granulated garlic, and black pepper in a bowl; add rotini. Toss to coat. Fold in tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 168.6 calories, Carbohydrate 17.1 g, Cholesterol 10.4 mg, Fat 8.3 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 6.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 173.1 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

Tips:

Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
Make your own pesto. It's easy to do and tastes much better than store-bought pesto.
Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it al dente, so it still has a slight bite to it.
Use a good quality balsamic vinegar. It should be thick and syrupy, and have a complex flavor.
Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make pesto pasta caprese salad, so feel free to add your own personal touch.

Conclusion:

Pesto pasta caprese salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer meal. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. Whether you're a fan of pesto, caprese salad, or both, you're sure to love this dish.