This Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish bursting with flavors! With its tender pasta, fresh tomatoes, and creamy pesto, it’s perfect for warm days.
It’s so easy to throw together, and I love the cheerful colors—it feels like a party on my plate! Just mix everything, and you’re ready to enjoy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto the creamy pesto. You can swap it with fusilli, farfalle, or penne if you like. Just ensure the pasta is a short shape for the best texture in the salad!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, sweet, and juicy, cherry tomatoes add pop and color. If they’re not in season, substitute with grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes. Even sun-dried tomatoes can add an interesting twist!
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: They provide a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the pesto. If you want a dairy-free option, consider using marinated artichoke hearts or tofu balls instead.
Pesto: Store-bought pesto is convenient, but homemade is unbeatable for flavor. You can also try a spinach or arugula pesto if you want something different. Nut allergies? Use sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts.
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: Both create a creamy dressing. Greek yogurt gives extra protein and tang, while mayo adds richness. You can even use a vegan mayo or yogurt substitute if needed!
How Do You Make Your Pasta Salad Creamy Without Overdoing It?
Getting that delightful creamy texture is key to a great pasta salad! Here’s how to do it:
- Use a mix of pesto and either mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to achieve a nice balance. This keeps it rich but not overly heavy.
- Start with a little dressing, toss the pasta, and then add more as needed. This helps avoid soaking the pasta.
- Adding lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a freshness that cuts through the creaminess.
- Toss in your add-ins like tomatoes and mozzarella after the pasta is coated, so they don’t get mushy.
These tips will keep your pasta salad light, fresh, and oh-so-creamy! Enjoy making a salad that’s perfect for any occasion!
Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1/3 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a little chill time of about 30 minutes if you want to let the flavors mingle. Perfect for a quick meal or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After draining the pasta, rinse it with cold water to cool it down and stop it from cooking further. Set the cooled pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Creamy Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pesto, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is what brings all the flavors together!
3. Combine Pasta and Dressing:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the creamy pesto dressing. Gently toss the pasta to make sure each piece is coated well in the dressing.
4. Add the Goodies:
Carefully fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Be gentle to keep the mozzarella intact and avoid squishing the tomatoes!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a taste and see if it needs any extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Make it to your liking!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the pasta salad to a beautiful serving dish and sprinkle some extra basil leaves on top for garnish. You can serve it right away, or cover it and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. Enjoy your light and refreshing salad either chilled or at room temperature!
This salad is perfect as a light lunch, side dish for dinner, or a star at your next picnic! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta in this recipe. Just follow the cooking instructions for the specific type of gluten-free pasta you choose, as cooking times may vary.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based yogurt or vegan mayo. Additionally, use a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of mozzarella balls, or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter option.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day!
What Other Add-Ins Can I Use?
Feel free to customize your salad! You can add veggies like bell peppers, olives, or arugula. For added protein, consider including grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for some crunch!
