Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

$- 8 oz. rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - ½ cup homemade basil pesto (or store-bought) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil The base of this salad starts with rotini pasta. The twists hold the pesto well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Fresh mozzarella balls offer a creamy texture. Fresh basil brings an aromatic touch. The homemade basil pesto adds a burst of flavor. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. - Salt and pepper - ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted (for garnish) You can add salt and pepper to taste. Toasted pine nuts give a nice crunch and flavor. - Large pot - Mixing bowl - Cooking utensils You need a large pot to cook the pasta. A mixing bowl helps combine all the ingredients. Simple cooking utensils make the process easy. - First, fill a large pot with water. - Add a generous amount of salt. - Bring the water to a rolling boil. - Once it boils, add 8 oz. of rotini pasta. - Cook the pasta until it is al dente. - Drain the pasta when done. - Rinse it under cold water to cool it. - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta. - Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. - Then, add 1 cup of halved fresh mozzarella balls. - Gently fold in 1 cup of torn fresh basil leaves. - Drizzle ½ cup of basil pesto over the salad. - Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. - Toss everything together until well coated. - Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. - Sprinkle ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts on top. - For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. To get the best texture in your pasta salad, cook the rotini pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Follow the package instructions for the right cooking time. After cooking, drain the pasta. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. To boost the flavors, think about adding more herbs or spices. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can make a big difference. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. When it comes to pesto, homemade is often best. It gives a fresh taste that store-bought versions may lack. However, if you are short on time, a good quality store-bought pesto can work well too. For great pairings, consider serving this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. They add protein and make the meal more filling. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or a light green salad. To present your pasta salad nicely, use a large, shallow bowl. This way, guests can see all the colorful ingredients. Garnish with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of pine nuts for a touch of flair. {{image_2}} You can change some key ingredients in this dish. Here are two great options: - Gluten-free pasta options: If you need gluten-free pasta, use brown rice or quinoa pasta. They cook well and taste great. - Dairy-free cheese alternatives: For a dairy-free version, try using cashew cheese or tofu. They give a nice creamy texture without dairy. Adding extra flavors can make your pasta salad even better. Here are some ideas: - Incorporating grilled vegetables: Grill zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Chopping them up and adding them gives a smoky taste. - Adding protein sources like chicken or shrimp: Toss in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for added protein. This makes the salad more filling and satisfying. You can switch things up based on the season. Here are tips for summer and winter salads: - Adjusting ingredients for summer or winter salads: In summer, add fresh corn or cucumber for crunch. In winter, consider roasted root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. - Creative dressings for seasonal flair: In summer, use a light vinaigrette. For winter, a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt can add warmth and richness. How long does it last in the fridge? Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad lasts up to three days in the fridge. It’s best to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and helps prevent drying out. Best practices for storing leftovers To store leftovers, make sure the salad is cool. Place it in a clean container. If possible, separate the pine nuts. Add them just before serving for extra crunch. This keeps them crisp and tasty. Can you freeze Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad? I do not recommend freezing this salad. The fresh ingredients, like tomatoes and mozzarella, do not thaw well. They can become mushy, losing their great taste and texture. Tips for thawing and serving If you do freeze it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Serve it cold with fresh basil and pine nuts on top. This helps bring back some flavor. How to best reheat if needed If you need to reheat, do it gently on the stove. Add a splash of olive oil and cook on low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. Ensuring flavors stay fresh To keep the flavors fresh, do not overheat. Just warm it enough to take the chill off. You can add more pesto if the flavors fade. This keeps it vibrant and tasty. Rotini pasta is a great choice. Its spiral shape holds sauce well. Other good options include fusilli, farfalle, or penne. These shapes easily catch the pesto, making each bite flavorful. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just ensure it cooks al dente for the best texture. Yes, you can prep this salad in advance. Make it a few hours ahead or even a day before. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. If possible, add the pine nuts right before serving. This keeps them crunchy and fresh. To make this salad vegan, swap out the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese. You can also use a vegan pesto. Many store-bought brands offer vegan options. If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own with nuts, basil, and nutritional yeast. This adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. This pasta salad uses simple, fresh ingredients for a delicious dish. You learned about cooking rotini, mixing it with tomatoes and mozzarella, and adding tasty pesto. Remember, you can customize the salad with different flavors and ingredients. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. By following these tips and variations, you can enjoy a delightful salad anytime. I hope you feel inspired to create your own pesto Caprese pasta salad!$

Delight your taste buds with this refreshing Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad! Made with rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors. Toss it all together with homemade pesto for a quick and easy meal that’s great for gatherings or light lunches. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is a must-try. Click to discover how to create this scrumptious salad!

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Ingredients

8 oz. rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

½ cup homemade basil pesto (or store-bought)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup pine nuts, toasted (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool.

Mix the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and halved mozzarella balls.

Add Basil: Gently fold in the torn basil leaves into the pasta mixture.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the basil pesto and olive oil over the salad. Toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are well coated.

Season: Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Garnish: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

Chill: For best results, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4