Name: CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups dry orecchiette pasta, or other small pasta, (or 4 1/2 cups cooked pasta); 1/3 cup pesto, or more to taste; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, more to taste; 1 1/2 cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes; 1 1/2 cups small pearlini fresh mozzarella balls, (or ciliegine cut in half); 6 leaves fresh basil leaves, finely shredded; (optional) balsamic glaze

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 22 reviews

This CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD is everything you love about a traditional Caprese, but with the wonderfully satisfying twist of tender pasta. Imagine every bite bursting with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, herby basil, and a gloriously vibrant pesto dressing. It comes together in a snap, making it your new go-to for picnics, BBQs, and easy weeknight dinners. You’ll instantly adore how fresh, colorful, and undeniably delicious this classic-inspired pasta salad is!

CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing beats the magic of simple, fresh ingredients. Each component in this pasta salad brings a special something: flavor, texture, or a beautiful burst of color. Here’s what you’ll need to create CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD at home:

Orecchiette pasta: These tiny ear-shaped pastas are perfect for catching the pesto, but any small pasta will do—just be sure it holds onto the sauce!
Pesto: Either homemade or a good-quality store-bought version works; pesto gives this salad its hearty herbaceous flavor.
Extra-virgin olive oil: A dash brings richness and helps the pesto cling to every piece of pasta.
Salt: Essential for enhancing each ingredient—don’t be shy, especially with the pasta cooking water.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note that ties everything together without being overpowering.
Ground black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper delivers just the right kick.
Balsamic vinegar: Offers a bright, tangy contrast—white balsamic keeps the colors vivid, if you have it.
Cherry or grape tomatoes: Halved for the juiciest bites; their natural sweetness is unbeatable in this dish.
Small fresh mozzarella balls: Pearlini or ciliegine are wonderfully creamy; halve the larger ones so they absorb flavor.
Fresh basil leaves: Sliced into thin ribbons, basil brings fragrant aroma and lifts all the flavors.
Balsamic glaze (optional): A finishing drizzle of this adds glossy richness and extra depth, especially for serving.

How to Make CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta just until al dente—about 8 minutes, or according to package directions. Be careful not to overcook; you want the pasta to hold up well once tossed with the dressing. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and let it come to room temperature.

Step 2: Mix the Pesto Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Taste as you go! If you like your dressing extra punchy, add a little more balsamic (white balsamic keeps the dressing bright green).

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Add the cooled pasta to your bowl of pesto dressing and toss well, making sure every piece is nicely coated. Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and ribbons of fresh basil. Try not to overmix—the goal is to keep those mozzarella balls intact and the tomatoes fresh and juicy.

Step 4: Chill and Finish

Pop your CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD in the refrigerator to chill until you’re ready to serve. Just before serving, give it a quick toss and, if you like, drizzle on some balsamic glaze for a beautiful sheen and sweet tang. Trust me, this little step kicks things up a notch!

How to Serve CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD

Garnishes

Scatter a few extra basil ribbons or tiny leaves over the top for a fresh, vibrant finishing touch. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or an extra grind of pepper adds even more flavor. And don’t forget that optional drizzle of balsamic glaze—for both beauty and an added pop of taste!

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad is versatile: serve it alongside grilled chicken, skewers, fish, or burgers for a summer meal that feels effortlessly impressive. It’s also right at home with crusty garlic bread, antipasto platters, or as a sunny potluck side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD in a big, wide serving bowl so everyone can dig in, or stuff individual servings into fun mason jars or cups for a picnic-ready bite. For a party, you can even use large lettuce leaves as edible bowls—how cute is that?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply transfer your pasta salad to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days, though the flavors really get a chance to meld if it sits for a few hours before serving.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD, I don’t recommend it—the texture of the pasta and fresh mozzarella just isn’t the same after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit out for about twenty minutes to take the chill off and bring out all the flavors. There’s no need to reheat, just give it a good toss before serving.

FAQs

Can I make CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours in advance gives the flavors a chance to mingle and deepen. Just hold off on adding the basil and balsamic glaze until just before serving for the freshest taste and color.

What type of pesto is best?

Classic basil pesto pairs perfectly here, but don’t be afraid to try arugula or spinach pesto for a twist. Homemade always shines, but quality store-bought works wonderfully too.

What if I can’t find mozzarella pearls?

No worries! Use ciliegine (the slightly larger mozzarella balls) and cut them in half, or dice up a block of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free short pasta and proceed as normal. The flavors are just as delicious with a gluten-free base.

Can I add extra veggies or protein?

Definitely! Try tossing in baby spinach, roasted chicken, prosciutto, or even grilled shrimp for added flavor and substance. This recipe is super easy to customize to your taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason the CAPRESE PESTO PASTA SALAD has become such a popular staple: it’s bright, fresh, and endlessly satisfying. I hope you give it a try—whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something delicious and easy. Enjoy every colorful bite!