Caprese Pasta Salad with Pesto

Caprese Pasta Salad with Pesto is a refreshing and cool side dish that celebrates all the wonderful flavors of summer. Fresh tomatoes and basil are paired with creamy mozzarella cheese for a tasty bow tie pasta salad that everyone will love.

Why I love Caprese Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is the perfect dish for all my barbecues. It's super easy to make with fresh ingredients and everyone loves it. This side dish is made in advance and ready to serve when you need it. This is the best caprese pasta salad recipe and makes a lot but the leftovers are excellent. It also works as a vegetarian entree and complete meal for anyone that prefers none of the grilled hot dogs and hamburgers that I sometimes make with it.

Ingredients Needed

• Pasta - I love a hearty farfalle (bowtie) pasta for this salad. You could also use a short pasta like penne, ziti or even rotini pasta.
• Jarred or prepared pesto - While homemade basil pesto is great, the grocery store has plenty of jarred brands that are perfect for quick cooking. Don't be afraid to use store-bought pesto. 
• Tomatoes- I love grape tomatoes. These juicy tomatoes are small in size and this keeps them from getting soggy or wilted. You can use large ripe tomatoes also but make sure to cut into bite size pieces and add them right before serving this great side dish. 
• Mozzarella Cheese - The creaminess of fresh mozzarella is my preference but use your favorite cheese. You can also use small fresh mozzarella balls.
• Olive oil - A good extra virgin olive oil works well.
• Vinegar - I typically use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. A red or white balsamic vinegar is also tasty in this simple recipe. 
• Kosher Salt and black pepper - to taste.
• Fresh basil leaves - Optional but I love using it especially for freshness and a garnish. It really can provide that extra flavor to elevate your dish.

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water.
2. Rinse with cold water in a colander when cooked.
3. Add the tender pasta to a large bowl then mix in pesto sauce, grape tomatoes and cheese.
4. Add a splash of oil and vinegar so that the pasta salad is moist.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Mix together well and chill for two hours before serving.
7. Makes 6 main course pasta dish servings but serves up to 12 as a perfect side dish.

See recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions. 

What is Farfalle Pasta?

Farfalle is the Italian word for butterflies. Farfalle pasta salad is often made with this butterfly or bow-tie shape. This pasta originated in northern Italy and is often covered with sauce. Since it's a hearty pasta, it is also often used in salads because it holds up well with other ingredients. Farfalle comes in large and small sizes so you can choose whichever size bowtie pasta works best for you.

Tips for making Caprese Pasta Salad

• Cook pasta al dente (very slightly undercooked) as you don't want a mushy pasta salad.
• Pasta salad can be made ahead but I like to add the tomatoes and fresh basil right before serving.
• If the pesto pasta salad is made in advance, freshen it up with a drizzle of oil and vinegar.
• This pasta recipe is great the next day! Make sure to store in an airtight container. It keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge. 

More Pasta with Pesto Recipes

• Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Peas
• Pesto Tortellini Skewers
• Chicken Pesto Gnocchi Recipe
• Soba Noodle Stir Fry with Pesto from Healthy Taste of Life

Serving Suggestions

This Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is one of my favorite cold pasta salads and it can also be served at room temperature. It is a great recipe for summer potlucks or a light lunch. I sometimes add grilled chicken to it and make it a full meal.  It goes great with these main dish recipes:    

• Grilled Flat Iron Steak
• Air Fryer Chicken Legs
• Chicken Cutlets with Broccoli Rabe & Sun Dried Tomatoes
• Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
• Oven Baked Bone-In Chicken Breast

Farfalle pasta salad is a wonderful side dish but you can also pair it with a glass of wine and some fruit for a full meal that's perfect for summer.

If you like this bow tie pasta salad, please leave a 5-star rating.

RECIPE

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