Description
A vibrant and fresh pasta salad combining cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and flavorful pesto. Perfect for picnics, light lunches, or dinner sides.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Prepare all ingredients and cooking tools.
- Combine Ingredients: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Use a large mixing bowl for tossing.
- Assemble the Dish: Add pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, and pesto sauce to the bowl.
- Cook to Perfection: Gently toss everything until pasta is evenly coated with pesto.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- Use room temperature mozzarella to prevent clumping.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Chill for 10 minutes to let flavors meld perfectly.
- Serve immediately if using fresh ingredients for maximum vibrancy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad, Italian pasta salad, fresh pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad