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To make a creamy pesto caprese pasta salad, you need the following ingredients: - 12 oz. rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup creamy pesto - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) These ingredients come together to create a fresh and flavorful dish. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Choose fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture. Look for ripe cherry tomatoes that burst with flavor. Fresh basil adds a bright taste that elevates the dish. Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you can, make your own creamy pesto. It allows you to control the taste and freshness. You can make swaps based on what you have. If you don’t have rotini pasta, use penne or farfalle. For basil, try spinach or arugula if you want a new taste. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, use diced feta or goat cheese. You can use store-bought pesto if you are short on time. Just check the label for quality. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 12 oz. of rotini pasta. Cook until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta quickly. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of creamy pesto, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This sauce will bring a rich flavor to your pasta salad. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 8 oz. of halved fresh mozzarella balls. Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta mix. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Just before serving, add 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves and fold them in. This keeps the basil fresh and bright. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best taste. For the complete details on how to make this dish, check the Full Recipe. To make your pasta salad creamy, use high-quality creamy pesto. This adds rich flavor. You can add a touch more olive oil for extra creaminess. If you want, mix in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt. These will give your salad a nice tang and smooth texture. Always toss your salad gently to keep it light and fluffy. Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Use ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella for the best taste. Look for basil leaves that are bright green and fragrant. To keep everything fresh, mix the salad just before serving. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, store the pesto mixture separately. Add it in right before you eat. Serve your pasta salad chilled for a refreshing bite. You can sprinkle some extra basil on top for a nice touch. A light drizzle of olive oil just before serving can enhance flavors. Pair it with grilled chicken or crusty bread for a complete meal. This salad also works great as a side dish at picnics or barbecues. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. {{image_2}} You can boost your creamy pesto caprese pasta salad by adding protein. Chicken is a great choice. Grilled or roasted chicken adds a nice texture and flavor. If you prefer seafood, shrimp works well, too. Cook it quickly in a pan for a juicy bite. For a plant-based option, use tofu. Marinate it in some pesto for extra taste before adding. Each protein option brings its own flair to the dish. Mixing in seasonal vegetables can enhance your pasta salad. Try adding bell peppers for crunch. Zucchini or asparagus gives a fresh touch, too. You can roast or grill these veggies for more flavor. Spinach or arugula adds a nice green note. These additions not only bring color but also make the salad more nutritious. While rotini is a tasty choice, feel free to experiment with other pasta types. Penne or farfalle can also hold the creamy pesto well. If you're feeling adventurous, try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Each type offers a unique texture and flavor profile. Choose what you like best to make this salad truly yours. You can find the full recipe to create this delicious dish above. To keep your creamy pesto caprese pasta salad fresh, you need to store it properly. First, let the salad cool down to room temperature. Placing hot food in the fridge can raise the temperature inside. After cooling, transfer the salad into an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture, which can spoil the dish. If you can, add a piece of plastic wrap directly on the salad before sealing the container. This extra layer adds protection. For best results, use glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. Glass is great because it does not stain and is easy to clean. If you use plastic, make sure it is high-quality and safe for food storage. Avoid containers that have scratches, as they can hold onto bacteria. Also, choose containers that are the right size. You want to minimize air space to keep the salad fresh. When stored correctly, creamy pesto caprese pasta salad can last up to three days in the fridge. After that, the ingredients may start to lose their quality. You might notice the pasta becoming mushy or the basil wilting. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. If you have any doubts, it's best to toss it out. Enjoy your delicious salad while it's fresh! For the full recipe, visit the recipe section. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto for this salad. It saves time and still tastes great. Look for a creamy pesto that fits your flavor. You can find many brands that offer tasty options. If you prefer homemade, it’s easy to make too. Just blend basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and oil. This recipe is not gluten-free with regular rotini. However, you can make it gluten-free easily. Just swap the rotini with gluten-free pasta. Many brands now offer great gluten-free options. Cook them just like regular pasta, and you will enjoy the same yummy taste. The recipe is already vegetarian! It includes fresh vegetables and cheese. If you want to keep it vegetarian, just avoid adding any meat. This dish is rich in flavor and colors from the herbs and veggies. You can even add more veggies for extra crunch. For the full recipe, check the details provided. This blog post covers making a creamy pesto Caprese pasta salad. We talked about essential ingredients and tips for freshness and flavor. You learned how to cook the pasta and prepare the pesto. We also explored variations with protein and veggies. Finally, we discussed storage to keep your salad fresh. Enjoy this simple and tasty dish. It's a great way to impress friends and family.

Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Savor the flavors of summer with this delightful Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad! This quick and easy recipe combines rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, all tossed in a creamy pesto dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to explore this refreshing recipe and discover how simple ingredients come together for a tasty meal everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz. rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1/2 cup creamy pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.

      In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the creamy pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

        Pour the pesto mixture over the pasta salad and gently toss until everything is well coated.

          Add the chopped basil leaves and fold them into the salad just before serving to keep them fresh.

            Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve chilled or at room temperature.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4