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a bowl of pasta salad wth pesto, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls

Pasta Caprese with Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Mozzarella

Kelly
Full of fragrant basil, juicy sweet tomatoes, garlicky pesto, and creamy fresh mozzarella, Pasta Caprese with Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Mozzarella is bursting with fresh summer flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 384 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb cavatappi or other shaped pasta 454 g
  • ½ cup fresh basil pesto about 4.5 oz, 128g or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 lb cherry tomatoes cut in half (454g)
  • 8 oz bocconcini mozzarella balls 227g
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves chopped or cut in ribbons
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente, firm to the bite. Drain.
  • If serving cold, rinse under cool water and drain. If serving warm, proceed to the next step.
  • Combine the pesto, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt. Toss with pasta until thoroughly mixed.
  • Gently toss in the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
  • Drizzle with additional pesto, if desired.
  • Serve immediately or chill to serve cold as a pasta salad.

Notes

  • Be careful not to use too much balsamic vinegar or it will darken the color of the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 384kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 14gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 175mgPotassium: 257mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 669IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 148mgIron: 1mg
Keyword pasta caprese, pesto pasta
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