Cold Caprese Pasta with Pesto

As the warm sun brings longer days and the allure of outdoor dining beckons, nothing satisfies quite like a refreshing dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of summer. Enter the Chilled Caprese Pasta Delight, a vibrant and flavorful pasta salad that transforms the classic Caprese salad into a delightful, easy-to-prepare meal. This dish celebrates the bounty of seasonal ingredients, combining ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta into a harmonious medley of flavors and textures.

Discover a refreshing way to enjoy summer with the Chilled Caprese Pasta Delight, a vibrant pasta salad that turns the classic Caprese salad into a satisfying meal. Made with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is perfect for outdoor dining. It's easy to customize for any occasion, making it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy a taste of summer while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients!

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Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) of pasta (preferably gemelli or fusilli)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp balsamic glaze (for drizzling)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, then rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.

Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as necessary and set aside.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Add the pesto and mix well to ensure every strand of pasta is evenly coated.

Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the pasta to chill.

Serve: Before serving, give the pasta a gentle toss. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing dish!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 4-6