This Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh and tasty dish! It combines al dente pasta, bright cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and zesty pesto that brings it all together.
I love making this salad for picnics or summer BBQs. It’s simple, colorful, and everyone wants seconds! Plus, it’s ready in no time, making it a perfect go-to for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Orecchiette is a great choice because its shape holds onto the sauce well. However, feel free to use any pasta you like! Penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta will work nicely.
Cherry Tomatoes: Using a mix of red and yellow tomatoes adds color and flavor. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes can substitute well.
Fresh Mozzarella: Bocconcini are perfect for this salad, but you can also use cubed mozzarella or mozzarella pearls. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using feta cheese for a tangy twist.
Basil Pesto: Ready-made pesto is convenient! If you don’t have it, you can blend fresh basil with nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts), olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic to create your own. Alternatively, store-bought sun-dried tomato pesto works great too.
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking to reduce calories, swap it out for Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream alternative. Both can maintain creaminess without the extra fat.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Perfectly Creamy?
Getting that creamy texture in your pasta salad is essential! Start by mixing your pesto with heavy cream or the substitute you’re using. This combo should be smooth before adding it to your pasta. Here are some steps to help you:
- Mix the pesto and cream in a separate bowl until well combined—this ensures even flavor distribution.
- When tossing the pasta and other ingredients, be gentle but thorough to coat everything without breaking the pasta.
- Taste as you go! If it’s not creamy enough, don’t hesitate to add a bit more cream or pesto until it suits your taste.
Chilling the pasta salad is key too! It allows the flavors to blend beautifully and the sauce to thicken a bit more. Enjoy your creamy treat!
Light And Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup prepared basil pesto
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Additional basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, total time is around 45 minutes to enjoy this refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This prevents the pasta from cooking further.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Give it a good stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, heavy cream, olive oil, salt, and pepper until you have a nice, smooth mixture. This is what will bring your pasta salad together!
4. Toss the Pasta Salad:
Pour the pesto cream mixture over the pasta salad and gently toss everything until all the ingredients are coated in that creamy goodness. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it creamier, feel free to add a bit more pesto or cream!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with the pasta salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once chilled, serve it up in bowls and garnish with extra basil leaves if you like. Enjoy your light and creamy pesto caprese pasta salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is a great choice, you can substitute it with any pasta you have on hand, like penne, fusilli, or bowtie. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the alternative pasta type.
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?
Definitely! Store-bought pesto works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own at home for a fresher taste!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, try to store it without additional dressings, and only add them right before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can! For a vegan version, replace the mozzarella with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a vegan cream sauce instead of heavy cream. Also, check that your pesto is vegan-friendly, as some store-bought versions contain cheese.
