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Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

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Light and Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of summer flavors that brings the essence of Italy right to your table. This vibrant pasta salad combines tender fusilli with creamy buffalo mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, all tossed in a rich pesto sauce. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners, this dish promises to impress with its colorful presentation and refreshing taste.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz buffalo mozzarella, diced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the fusilli pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic cloves (optional), pine nuts, Parmesan cheese (if desired), and olive oil. Pulse until smooth but slightly chunky.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes and diced buffalo mozzarella. Gently toss to mix.
  4. Add the pesto sauce and stir until everything is well-coated.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving at room temperature or chilled.
  • Author: DANIEL LAWSON
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg