Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

This Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad transforms classic Italian flavors into a refreshing pasta dish perfect for warm days. The combination of creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil creates a harmony of flavors that's both satisfying and simple to prepare.

I first made this for a neighborhood potluck last summer and came home with an empty bowl and multiple recipe requests. Now it's my go-to for everything from picnics to meal prep lunches.

Ingredients

• Bow-tie pasta: Adds visual appeal and catches all the delicious pesto in its crevices
• Basil pesto: Provides rich herbal flavor without extensive chopping or prep
• Italian dressing: Adds brightness and helps prevent the pasta from sticking together
• Baby spinach: Incorporates a nutritional boost while maintaining the Italian color palette
• Cherry tomatoes: Offer sweet bursts of flavor and juicy texture in every bite
• Bocconcini fresh mozzarella balls: Deliver creamy richness that balances the zesty dressing
• Extra virgin olive oil: Ensures smooth texture and prevents pasta from clumping
• Salt and pepper: Bring all flavors into harmony with proper seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the bow-tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. For the perfect pasta salad texture, aim for pasta that still has a slight firmness when bitten.

Cool the Pasta:

Drain the cooked pasta and immediately run cold water over it to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Transfer to a large serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil and stir gently to coat each piece. Allow the pasta to cool completely before proceeding.

Add the Dressing:

Once pasta has cooled, add the basil pesto and Italian dressing, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating. The combination of these two dressings creates a perfect balance of herbaceous flavor and tangy brightness.

Incorporate Fresh Ingredients:

Gently fold in the baby spinach, sliced cherry tomatoes, and halved mozzarella balls. Toss everything together with care to maintain the integrity of the delicate ingredients while ensuring even distribution throughout the salad.

Season and Chill:

Taste the salad and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld together. Before serving, check if the pasta seems dry and add a touch more olive oil if needed.

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Storing Your Pasta Salad

This pasta salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually intensify overnight as the pasta absorbs the dressing. If you notice the salad has dried out after refrigeration, simply drizzle with a small amount of olive oil or Italian dressing and toss gently before serving. For best flavor, allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if it's been refrigerated.

Easy Variations

The beauty of this Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad lies in its adaptability. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans. Vegetable lovers can incorporate roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or thinly sliced zucchini. For an autumn version, try adding roasted butternut squash and substituting goat cheese for the mozzarella. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini or penne, which capture the dressing equally well.

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Perfect Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant pasta salad alongside grilled Italian sausages or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a lighter option. For entertaining, present it in a large, shallow bowl garnished with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of your best olive oil. This dish shines at room temperature, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings where food might sit out for a while.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! This pasta salad is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. If it seems dry before serving, simply add an additional 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and toss to refresh the texture.

→ What can I substitute for bocconcini mozzarella?

If you can't find bocconcini (small mozzarella balls), you can substitute regular fresh mozzarella cut into small cubes. In a pinch, even low-moisture mozzarella will work, though it won't have quite the same creamy texture as fresh.

→ Is homemade pesto better than store-bought for this dish?

While homemade pesto offers fresher flavor, high-quality store-bought pesto works perfectly in this pasta salad. The recipe specifies that either homemade basil pesto or a 6-ounce jar of prepared pesto can be used with excellent results.

→ Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?

Absolutely! This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tuna. Simply cook your protein separately, slice or flake it, and fold it in with the other ingredients for a more substantial meal.

→ How long will this pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this pasta salad will maintain its quality for 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after a day as they have time to meld together.

→ What pasta shapes work best for this salad?

While the recipe calls for bow-tie pasta (farfalle), other medium pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli work equally well. These shapes have nooks and crannies that capture the pesto and dressing wonderfully.