Caprese Pasta Salad

4.3
(43)

The dynamic trio of fresh basil pesto, mozzarella cheese, and juicy tomato are reunited once again in an American favorite- pasta salad. This light and fresh salad is great for a lunch, a side dish, or even a snack.

2
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 25 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package fusilli pasta

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

  • ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted (Optional)

  • 2 cloves garlic

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into strips

  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the fusilli, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.

  2. Place basil, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic into a blender or food processor; cover and chop to a coarse paste. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Continue processing until a soft paste has formed. Set pesto aside.

  3. Combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, mozzarella, and pesto in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Cover bowl, refrigerate to chill for 45 minutes, and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

354 Calories
15g Fat
44g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 354
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 94mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 44g 16%
Dietary Fiber 3g 9%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 13g
Vitamin C 8mg 42%
Calcium 155mg 12%
Iron 3mg 14%
Potassium 237mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.