This Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh delight! It combines pasta, juicy tomatoes, stretchy mozzarella, and a smooth pesto dressing for a burst of flavor.
You can’t go wrong with this salad on a warm day! I love bringing it to picnics. It makes everything look fancy, but really, it’s super easy to whip up!
For a nice touch, I add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. It makes my kitchen smell heavenly! This salad is a perfect side or a light meal any time. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orecchiette Pasta: This pasta is perfect for catching the creamy sauce. If you can’t find it, you can swap it for penne or fusilli, which also hold the dressing well.
Basil Pesto: You can use store-bought pesto for convenience. If you prefer homemade, just blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. If you’re nut-free, skip the nuts in the pesto.
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: For a lighter option, Greek yogurt adds creaminess with less fat. If you want a dairy-free alternative, try tahini or a dairy-free yogurt.
Cherry Tomatoes: A mix of red and yellow tomatoes adds color and sweetness. If tomatoes aren’t in season, you can use sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Fresh Mozzarella: Bocconcini or ciliegine are great choices. You can use chopped feta cheese if you want a saltier flavor.
Pine Nuts or Walnuts: These add crunch. If you want to skip nuts, toasted sunflower seeds are a tasty alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Is Creamy?
Getting that creamy texture without it being too dry or too saucy can be tricky. Here’s how to achieve the right balance:
- Use enough creamy dressing! Combine pesto with mayo or Greek yogurt for that nice creamy feel.
- Chill the pasta before mixing. Rinsing it under cold water stops the cooking and helps prevent clumping.
- Toss gently! When adding ingredients, use a folding motion to keep everything intact.
- Don’t forget to season! A pinch of salt can really enhance the flavors, making the salad taste even better.
Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to mingle beautifully!
Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) orecchiette pasta
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (use a mix of red and yellow if possible)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for tossing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. With a quick prep time and a little waiting for the flavors to come together, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 9-11 minutes. When it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.
2. Make the Creamy Pesto Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the basil pesto with the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Stir the ingredients together until they’re well mixed and creamy. This will be the dressing that brings all the flavors together!
3. Combine the Pasta with the Dressing:
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the creamy pesto dressing. Toss everything together gently so that each piece of pasta is well-coated in the sauce. This is where the magic happens—each bite will be delicious!
4. Fold in the Fresh Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add some color and flavor! Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped basil leaves. If you’re using nuts, add them in for a bit of crunch.
5. Season the Salad:
Give the salad a taste and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you want extra richness, drizzle in some olive oil and toss again.
6. Chill and Let the Flavors Meld:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even tastier!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the fridge and give it a gentle stir. You can garnish with a few extra basil leaves on top if you’d like. This Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a refreshing meal at home!
FAQ for Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is great for holding the dressing, you can substitute it with any pasta like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make it vegan, simply replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based yogurt or vegan mayonnaise. Additionally, ensure that your pesto is free from cheese, or make your own using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, this salad stores well! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld further.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture may slightly change, so give it a good stir before serving. You can even add a splash of olive oil or a bit more pesto to revive it!
