Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
3 cups spiral pasta or penne (about 250g)
02 -
1/2 cup fresh basil pesto (homemade works best)
03 -
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
→ Fresh Elements
04 -
2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
05 -
250g mini mozzarella balls, halved
06 -
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
07 -
2 tablespoons golden toasted pine nuts
→ Seasonings
08 -
1/4 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
09 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a rolling boil. Season the water generously with salt until it tastes like seawater. Add your pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until it's perfectly al dente with just a slight bite to it.
02 -
Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and let it cool completely to room temperature. For quicker cooling, rinse it under cold running water and shake off excess moisture.
03 -
In your largest mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the pesto, white balsamic vinegar, and half of your salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated.
04 -
Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and toasted pine nuts. Mix carefully to distribute everything evenly without crushing the delicate ingredients.
05 -
Taste your salad and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
06 -
Just before serving, scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top. This pasta salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
# Notes:
01 -
This refreshing pasta salad captures all the beloved flavors of a classic Caprese salad with the satisfying addition of pasta and aromatic pesto.
02 -
The saltiness will vary depending on your pesto and how much salt you use in the pasta water, so always taste before adding extra seasoning.
03 -
If you can't find pre-toasted pine nuts, simply toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
04 -
This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and meld together.