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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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A bright and flavorful pasta salad combining fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto for a perfect summer dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini), drained
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced thin (oil-packed preferred)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins:
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or fusilli and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta using a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well.
  3. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and slice 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes thinly. Drain 1 cup of mozzarella pearls and gently pat dry with a paper towel.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup basil pesto, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Pour the pesto dressing over and gently toss until evenly coated, being careful not to crush the mozzarella.
  6. Optionally, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts and red pepper flakes, then lightly toss to combine.
  7. Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop cooking and cool it down. Drain well to avoid watery salad. Be gentle when tossing to avoid crushing mozzarella pearls. Add extra olive oil or lemon juice if salad seems dry. Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese alternatives for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, pesto pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, summer salad, easy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-pesto-and-sun-dried-tomatoes/