Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant dish that perfectly balances comfort with summer flair, look no further than this Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to bring to every picnic, enjoy as a breezy lunch, or serve alongside a casual dinner outdoors. Here, bright basil pesto wraps every bowtie noodle, juicy tomatoes burst with flavor, creamy mozzarella lends richness, and a splash of balsamic adds a sophisticated tang. It’s simple, beautiful, and so downright delicious, you’ll crave it all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it refreshingly simple, relying on a handful of everyday, colorful ingredients that shine brightest when combined. Each component brings something essential—zippy brightness, satisfying chew, or creamy indulgence—that makes Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad a staple you’ll want to whip up on repeat.
- Farfalle Pasta: Opt for bowtie-shaped noodles for their perfect bite and visual appeal—they hold the pesto beautifully and look festive in a salad.
- Bouillon Cube: Adding just half a cube (or chicken broth) infuses the pasta with flavor, making every forkful more delicious.
- Shallots: These give a subtle, aromatic zing—think of them as a milder, sweeter cousin to onions that won’t overpower the salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their juicy pop and natural sweetness are a must for any Caprese-inspired dish; halving them helps distribute flavor and color.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped basil adds a lively freshness and that unmistakable summer aroma to the mix.
- Mini Mozzarella Balls: Creamy, rich, and the perfect size; they’re protein-packed bites that soak up all the dressing.
- Pesto: Whether homemade or high-quality store-bought, pesto brings herbaceous, nutty magic to every spoonful.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash wakes up the flavors and lends a tangy-sweet finish you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
- Kosher Salt: Just a bit brings balance and makes every ingredient pop—don’t skip it!
How to Make Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Boil the Pasta with Flavor
Fill a large pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil—give it room for the pasta to dance! Drop in half a bouillon cube (or use chicken broth in place of the bouillon and water) to add a subtle savory background to your farfalle. The pasta will absorb this gentle seasoning as it cooks, setting the stage for a more memorable Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad.
Step 2: Cook and Drain the Pasta
Add your dry farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This keeps your salad bouncy and satisfying, not mushy. Drain the pasta well, but there’s no need to rinse—those little bits of starch help the pesto cling better later!
Step 3: Prep the Vegetable and Herb Trio
While the pasta cooks, mince your shallots, halve the cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop the fresh basil. This trio adds layers of color, sparkle, and freshness to the Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad, making every bite feel like summer on a fork.
Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients
Once the pasta is drained, transfer it to a large
mixing bowl while still slightly warm. Add in the halved tomatoes, minced shallot, chopped basil, and those adorable mini mozzarella balls. The warmth from the pasta helps marry the flavors and just slightly softens the cheese, making for pure salad bliss.
Step 5: Dress and Toss to Finish
Pour the pesto, balsamic vinegar, and kosher salt over the top of your salad. Use a gentle but thorough tossing motion to combine everything, ensuring every bowtie and every tomato gets an even coating. Your Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is now ready to be served chilled or at room temperature—easy, irresistible, and bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Just before serving, finish your salad with a sprinkle of extra chopped basil, a few more whole cherry tomatoes for pop, and another light drizzle of pesto or even some toasted pine nuts. A twist of freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of sea salt send this Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad right over the top, both in looks and taste!
Side Dishes
This salad stands bold and bright on its own, but it’s extra dreamy paired with grilled chicken, a simple roast salmon, or even a crusty baguette to mop up every drop of that herby, tangy dressing. On hot days, serve with chilled watermelon or a refreshing cucumber salad for the ultimate sunny spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad into a party centerpiece by piling it into a big, colorful bowl or plating it family-style on a platter. Try layering it in mason jars for adorable individual servings at picnics, or skewer the ingredients on toothpicks for “salad pops” that are as playful as they are tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad? Lucky you! Simply cover tightly and refrigerate. The flavors deepen and meld after a day in the fridge, making it just as crave-worthy tomorrow. Try to enjoy leftovers within 2–3 days for maximum freshness and best texture.
Freezing
While pasta salads generally don’t freeze well—especially when they contain fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella—there’s no need to worry, because this salad is meant to be enjoyed fresh or within a few days. Freezing can cause the veggies to become watery and the cheese to lose its creamy bite.
Reheating
This is one salad that’s best served chilled or at room temperature. If you do want it a bit warmer, let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving, or give it a super quick zap in the microwave (just enough to take the chill off, not to melt the cheese completely). Give it a toss and maybe add an extra splash of balsamic or fresh basil to wake up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is charming and holds the dressing beautifully, feel free to substitute with rotini, penne, or fusilli—whatever you have on hand will work well for Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad.
Is there a good vegan option for this recipe?
Definitely! Swap the mozzarella balls for your favorite vegan mozzarella or marinated tofu, and make sure your pesto is dairy-free. You’ll still enjoy the zesty, summery spirit of Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad.
Can I make the salad in advance?
Yes! Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. Make it up to a day ahead—just wait to add extra basil or garnishes until you’re ready to serve for the brightest flavor and best appearance.
What kind of pesto works best?
A classic basil pesto is the traditional choice, either homemade or from a good-quality jar. If you’re feeling adventurous, try arugula or spinach pesto for a slightly peppery or milder version of Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad.
Can I use regular vinegar instead of balsamic?
Balsamic vinegar adds sweetness and depth that really makes this salad sing, but if you’re out, try a mild red wine or white wine vinegar with a pinch of sugar. It won’t be quite the same, but your salad will still be delightful!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dish that feels like a mini-vacation on your plate, this Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is waiting for you. It’s loaded with color, big on flavor, and designed to share—with loved ones or just for treating yourself. Gather your ingredients, toss up a bowl, and prepare for major compliments!
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Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and refreshing pesto caprese pasta salad that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. This salad features bowtie pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, shallots, fresh basil, mini mozzarella balls, pesto, and a balsamic vinegar dressing.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1/2 bouillon cube
- 6 oz farfalle pasta (bowtie shape, weighed dry)
Salad:
- 1 large (or 2 small) shallots, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 c basil (fresh, chopped)
- 3 oz mini mozzarella balls
Dressing:
- 1/4 c pesto
- 1/4 c balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Drop in the bouillon cube. Boil the pasta according to package directions, and drain once cooked through. Do not rinse.
- Assemble Salad: Add the cooked pasta to a mixing bowl with the cherry tomatoes, shallot, basil, and mozzarella balls.
- Add Dressing: Pour in the pesto, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Toss everything to combine.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad, pasta salad, caprese salad, pesto salad, vegetarian salad
