Discover the vibrant flavors of Italy with our Caprese Pasta Salad, a delightful fusion of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. This light yet satisfying dish captures the essence of summer in every bite, making it the perfect addition to your picnic, barbecue, or any outdoor gathering. With its colorful presentation and mouthwatering combination of ingredients, our Caprese Pasta Salad recipe is easy to follow, ensuring you can bring a taste of Italian elegance to your table with minimal effort. Discover how to create this timeless salad that will impress your guests and become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
AuthorJulia ForesekCategoryItalian, Pasta & Noodles, Salads, VegetarianDifficultyBeginnerCook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Make the Pesto (if making homemade): In a food processor, blend basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic until finely chopped. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine the Salad: To the cooled pasta, add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and toasted pine nuts. Pour the pesto over the top and gently toss to combine everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Ingredients
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Make the Pesto (if making homemade): In a food processor, blend basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic until finely chopped. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine the Salad: To the cooled pasta, add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and toasted pine nuts. Pour the pesto over the top and gently toss to combine everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Perfect Wine Pairing
For the Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad, a light and crisp white wine is an ideal companion to balance the rich flavors of the pesto and the freshness of the tomatoes and mozzarella.I recommend Sauvignon Blanc, particularly one from the Marlborough region of New Zealand. This wine is known for its vibrant acidity and flavors of lime, green apple, and passionfruit, which can cut through the richness of the pesto while complementing the fresh, herbal notes. Its crispness will refresh the palate, making each bite as enjoyable as the first.
