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At the heart of this dish lies the classic Caprese salad, an Italian staple known for its simple yet flavorful combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. The beauty of Caprese salad lies in its minimalism, allowing each ingredient to shine through. The creamy texture of the mozzarella pairs perfectly with the juicy sweetness of the tomatoes, while the aromatic basil leaves provide a refreshing herbal note that ties everything together.

Cold Caprese Pasta with Pesto

Discover the perfect dish for warm days with Chilled Pesto Caprese Pasta! This refreshing recipe blends the classic flavors of Caprese salad with hearty pasta, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches. Made from fresh ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, it's a vibrant and nutritious meal. Easy to prepare, this colorful pasta will become your go-to choice for summer gatherings. Enjoy a taste of summer in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 225g) fusilli or rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz (about 225g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed

1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli (or rotini) pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the cooled pasta aside.

    Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, add the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt. With the lid secured, pulse the mixture to combine. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto blends into a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed. If the pesto is too thick, feel free to add a little more olive oil to achieve your desired creaminess.

      Toss the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and halved mozzarella balls. Pour the freshly made pesto over the pasta mixture. Using gentle tossing motions, mix everything together to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the vibrant pesto sauce.

        Chill the Pasta: Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

          Serve: Prior to serving, give the pasta a gentle toss to redistribute the ingredients. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, consider drizzling balsamic glaze over the top. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, if desired.

            Enjoy: Serve the pasta dish chilled or at room temperature. Delight in this refreshing twist on classic Caprese flavors that’s perfect for a summer meal or as a delightful side dish!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings