Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing and vibrant dish that can be prepared in no time, this Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is your answer! Bursting with fresh flavors and colorful ingredients, it’s perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or as a delightful meal prep option. This salad features bow-tie pasta coated in creamy basil pesto and Italian dressing, complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and delicious bocconcini. With its quick assembly and satisfying taste, you’ll find yourself serving this crowd-pleaser time and again.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: No cooking required after pasta
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb uncooked bow-tie pasta
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ¾ cup basil pesto (or one 6 oz jar prepared basil)
- ¼ cup Italian dressing
- 1 ½ to 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups, sliced)
- 8 oz bocconcini (cherry-size fresh mozzarella balls), drained and halved
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with olive oil.
- Stir in the basil pesto and Italian dressing until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the spinach, sliced cherry tomatoes, and halved bocconcini.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Find it online: https://simpledishmagic.com/pesto-caprese-pasta-salad/