Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is everything you crave in a summer pasta salad: fresh, vibrant, and packed with those classic Caprese flavors—but tossed with a lighter, herbaceous twist. Think chewy farfalle, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and just the right punch of pesto brightness. It’s picnic-perfect, totally make-ahead friendly, and honestly so delicious, everyone always comes back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Freshness: Every bite is loaded with juicy tomatoes, vibrant basil, and buttery mozzarella balls.
- Lighter, Brighter Pesto Flavor: Using a modest amount of pesto and balsamic means you get all the herby goodness, without any heaviness.
- Ideal for Make-Ahead & Picnics: Tastes even better after it chills, making it the perfect prep-ahead dish for warm weather gatherings.
- Easy, Beautiful, and Crowd-Pleasing: Simple ingredients transform into a colorful, impressive salad in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of humble ingredients for this Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—they each play a starring role. From the chewy pasta to the fresh basil and creamy mozzarella, every element infuses bold flavor, gorgeous color, and irresistible texture.
- Farfalle Pasta (6 oz): Bowtie-shaped pasta holds pesto in its crevices and stays delightfully chewy, even when chilled.
- Bouillon Cube (1/2): Adding this to your cooking water packs the pasta with subtle, savory depth right from the start.
- Shallots (1 large or 2 small, minced): Their mild, aromatic bite wakes up the whole salad without overpowering.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Sweet, juicy, and absolutely essential for that classic Caprese freshness.
- Fresh Basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Staple of Caprese—be generous, and don’t be shy about tucking in a few extra sprigs for garnish.
- Mini Mozzarella Balls (3 oz): Creamy little orbs that make every forkful soft and satisfying.
- Pesto (1/4 cup): Delivers herby, garlicky, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1/4 cup): A tangy sweet finish that keeps the salad light and bright.
- Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp): Because every great salad needs a touch of seasoning to make the flavors pop!
Variations
The beauty of Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is how easy it is to put your own spin on it! Whether you want to make it gluten-free, bulk it up with extra veggies, or simply use what’s in your fridge, it’s endlessly adaptable for any occasion.
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Toss in bite-size pieces right before serving to turn it into a hearty, protein-packed meal.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Sub your favorite gluten-free pasta shape to make the recipe fully celiac-friendly without losing flavor.
- Swap the Mozzarella: Use feta, burrata, or even creamy goat cheese for a unique twist.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, arugula, or roasted zucchini for more green and even bigger flavor.
- Homemade Pesto: If you have a bit more time, a quick homemade pesto gives this salad an even more vibrant, custom touch!
How to Make Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta with Bouillon
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and drop in the 1/2 bouillon cube to infuse your pasta with subtle savory notes. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until perfectly al dente—those bowties should have a little bite! Once cooked, drain well (but do not rinse—the starch helps the dressing cling beautifully).
Step 2: Prep and Combine the Veggies & Cheese
While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, mince your shallots, and chop the fresh basil. Toss those, along with the mini mozzarella balls, into a big mixing bowl. This is basically a Caprese salad waiting to happen!
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Add your warm, just-cooked pasta to the bowl with the veggies and cheese. Drizzle over the pesto and balsamic, then sprinkle with the kosher salt. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until every bowtie is glossy and covered in all that gorgeous herby, tangy flavor.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
This Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is fantastic served slightly chilled or at room temperature. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for the flavors to mingle and deepen—or serve right away if you simply can’t wait. Either way, it always disappears quickly!
Pro Tips for Making Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
- Infuse Your Pasta: Using a bouillon cube (or broth) gives your pasta a deeper flavor base so every bite tastes extra delicious.
- Let Flavors Mingle: For the best flavor, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the pesto, balsamic, and fresh veggies can really shine together.
- Choose Ripe Cherry Tomatoes: The sweeter and juicier the tomatoes, the better—grab the ripest ones you can find at your local market.
- Don’t Skimp on Fresh Basil: Tear or chiffonade basil leaves at the last minute for that hit of aroma and color that makes the salad pop.
How to Serve Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped basil, a shower of freshly cracked black pepper, and a few glossy whole cherry tomatoes on top make this salad look truly stunning. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of thick balsamic glaze gives gorgeous stripes and an extra pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is fabulously versatile—serve it alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or a platter of herby roast vegetables. It’s also right at home with crusty garlic bread or a big bowl of summer greens for a picnic-style feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving it in individual jars (perfect for lunchboxes or picnics), pile it high on a large white platter for a dramatic centerpiece, or scoop it into endive leaves or small cups for a fun bite-sized appetizer at parties. The bright colors do the work, so let them shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better by day two, making it a superb lunch or snack!
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze leftovers, skip the mozzarella and fresh basil—these won’t hold up well to freezing. Freeze the pasta and veggie portion only, then add cheese and herbs when serving.
Reheating
Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is intended to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warm, just let it stand on the counter for 30-40 minutes before serving, but don’t microwave—it changes the texture of the mozzarella and tomatoes.
FAQs
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Can I make Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead of time (or even the night before) gives all the flavors extra time to meld. Just save a little fresh basil for garnishing right before serving to keep it looking bright and fresh.
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Is there a dairy-free option for this pasta salad?
Yes—simply swap out the mozzarella balls for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative, and use a vegan pesto to make it completely plant-based.
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What pasta shapes work best besides farfalle?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells all work beautifully, thanks to their ability to trap dressing and tiny bits of basil and cheese. Stick to shapes that hold up well to tossing!
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How do I keep the salad from getting soggy if prepping for a party?
Toss the pasta with half the pesto and balsamic ahead of time, then add the tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil right before serving for the freshest flavor and best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of something fresh, light, and utterly crowd-pleasing, this Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is your new go-to. Don’t be surprised if it becomes the star of every warm-weather gathering—you truly can’t beat the burst of flavor in every bite. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own!
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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
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the classic flavors of caprese salad with the addition of pesto and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer meal.
Ingredients
Bouillon Cube:
1/2 bouillon cube
Farfalle Pasta:
6 oz farfalle pasta, bowtie shape, weighed dry
Shallots:
1 large shallot or 2 small shallots, minced
Cherry Tomatoes:
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Basil:
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Mozzarella Balls:
3 oz mini mozzarella balls
Pesto:
1/4 cup pesto
Balsamic Vinegar:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Salt:
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add Bouillon Cube: Drop in the 1/2 bouillon cube or chicken broth for flavor.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta per package directions, then drain without rinsing.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, shallots, basil, and mozzarella in a mixing bowl.
- Add Dressing: Toss in pesto, balsamic vinegar, and salt, then mix well.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
