Description
This Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining pasta with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a flavorful basil pesto dressing.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 pound pasta (cavatappi, fusilli, orecchietta, shell)
Salad:
- 8 ounces small pearl mozzarella
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, chiffonade
Dressing:
- 2/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil water, add salt, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prep Vegetables: Cut tomatoes, dice onion, and chiffonade basil.
- Make Dressing: Combine pesto, mayonnaise, and balsamic vinegar. Whisk together.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, mix pasta, tomatoes, onion, basil, mozzarella, and dressing. Season with pepper and salt.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled.
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
