If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that sings with summer freshness and can double as a main or side, this Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is about to become your go-to. Imagine tender bowtie pasta, ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, a whisper of basil, and a zesty pesto-balsamic dressing—all coming together in one irresistibly satisfying bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Freshness in Every Bite: The bright tomatoes, aromatic basil, and creamy mozzarella make this salad a celebration of classic Caprese flavors with a pesto twist.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Just a handful of pantry and fresh staples deliver plenty of wow—no complicated steps or hard-to-find items here.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad gets even tastier after a short chill, making it ideal for busy lunches, picnics, or casual entertaining.
- Perfect for Every Occasion: Serve it cold or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing side, potluck star, or standalone lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is its joyful simplicity—each ingredient adds color, texture, and extraordinary flavor. Choose the freshest you can find, and you’ll taste the difference in every forkful!
- Farfalle pasta (6 oz, bowtie shape): The whimsical bowties catch all that delicious dressing and hold up perfectly for a pasta salad.
- 1/2 bouillon cube: Dropping this into your pasta water gives the noodles a savory boost right from the start.
- Shallots (1 large or 2 small), minced: These add a gentle sweetness and mild oniony punch that make everything pop.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint), halved: Juicy, sweet, and bursting with color, these little beauties are the heart of every Caprese salad.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup), chopped: Brings a gorgeous herbal aroma and classic Italian flavor—don’t skip it!
- Mini mozzarella balls (3 oz): Their creamy, tender bite perfectly offsets the tangy pesto and balsamic.
- Pesto (1/4 cup): Adds herbal richness and a touch of garlicky depth without being too oily or overpowering.
- Balsamic vinegar (1/4 cup): Brightens up the whole dish with tangy sweetness—this is the salad’s secret weapon!
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp): Just enough to season and bring the flavors together.
Variations
The beauty of Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is how easy it is to make your own. Just a few tweaks, and you can tailor it to what you love—or what you have on hand!
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap the farfalle for your favorite gluten-free pasta for a totally celiac-friendly feast.
- Add Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Protein lovers, toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp to turn this into a hearty, all-in-one main course.
- Make It Vegan: Use your favorite vegan mozzarella and a dairy-free pesto for a plant-based spin that still tastes amazing.
- Extra Veggies: Amp up the nutrition and color by adding arugula, baby spinach, or roasted peppers.
How to Make Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta with Bouillon
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then drop in half a bouillon cube (or use chicken broth). This is my favorite trick—you’re not just cooking pasta; you’re building a base of flavor that will echo throughout the salad. Cook the farfalle until tender, following the package directions, then drain (but don’t rinse!).
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While your pasta is bubbling away, mince the shallot, halve those juicy cherry tomatoes, and rough chop the fresh basil. If you’re using mini mozzarella balls straight from the container, give them a quick drain. You want everything ready to toss while the pasta is still warm.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
In a generous mixing bowl, add your drained pasta, tomatoes, minced shallot, chopped basil, and mozzarella. Drizzle over the pesto, pour in the balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Now comes the best part—gently toss everything together until every piece is glossy and fully adorned with dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
You can serve your Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad at room temperature if you’re in a hurry, but a short stay in the fridge lets the flavors mingle even more. Serve in a pretty bowl and watch it disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
- Flavor-Boosting Bouillon: Cooking your pasta right in bouillon water or broth infuses it with subtle savory notes you’ll absolutely notice in the finished salad.
- Don’t Rinse the Pasta: Skipping the rinse helps the warm noodles soak up more pesto and balsamic—meaning every bite gets maximum flavor.
- Use Really Good Mozzarella: Seek out fresh mini mozzarella balls for that classic milky, creamy “bite”—it’s totally worth it here.
- Toss Gently: Treat those gorgeous cherry tomatoes and mozzarella with care when mixing to keep them perfectly plump and intact.
How to Serve Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A few extra basil leaves, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of thick balsamic glaze make beautiful—and absolutely delicious—finishing touches for your Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad. A little lemon zest will brighten it up even more for summer gatherings!
Side Dishes
This salad loves company! It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu, along with a crusty baguette or a simple green salad. For a picnic, serve it with sliced watermelon or a fruit platter for the ultimate sunny spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad in pretty glass jars for easy-to-transport picnic servings, or pile it up on a long platter with extra fresh basil scattered over the top for a festive, colorful centerpiece at potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, and the flavors get even better after a night in the fridge!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad—the texture of the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil can be compromised by freezing and thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or chilled from the fridge.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat—this pasta salad is made to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If chilled, just let it sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is playful and holds the dressing well, but you can swap in penne, rotini, fusilli, or shells—anything with some shape to catch the pesto and balsamic will taste amazing.
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How far in advance can I make Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad?
You can prepare this pasta salad up to a day ahead of serving. In fact, letting it chill for a few hours helps the flavors deepen and mingle, making each bite even more delicious.
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Can I substitute store-bought pesto for homemade?
Definitely! Store-bought pesto works perfectly (and makes this recipe extra easy), but if you have homemade on hand, feel free to use it—either option brings tons of flavor to your Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad.
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What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If you can’t find fresh basil, you could add a little extra pesto or substitute with baby arugula or spinach for a similar fresh, herbal note. Dried basil isn’t quite the same, but can add a subtle flavor boost if that’s all you have.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to toss together this Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad—it’s such a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as cheerful and inviting as a summer day. Grab your freshest ingredients and give it a try… I bet your friends and family will be asking for seconds!
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Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Caprese salad, incorporating pasta for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, basil, and a flavorful pesto dressing creates a vibrant and delicious salad.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1/2 bouillon cube
- 6 oz farfalle pasta, bowtie shape, weighed dry
- 1 large (or 2 small) shallots, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 oz mini mozzarella balls
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the bouillon cube for flavor. Boil the pasta according to package directions, then drain without rinsing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, shallots, basil, and mozzarella balls.
- Add Dressing: Mix in pesto, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Toss everything together.
- Serve: Chill the salad or serve at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
