Pesto Caprese Delight Pasta Salad
Indulge in the fresh, vibrant flavors of our Pesto Caprese Delight Pasta Salad! This satisfying dish combines the classic elements of a Caprese salad with the heartiness of al dente pasta, all brought together by a rich, aromatic pesto sauce. Featuring juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan, this salad makes for an excellent side dish, picnic offering, or even a light main course. For a twist, consider adding strips of hard salami or pepperoni for an extra layer of flavor. Perfect for gatherings or meal prep, this salad can be enjoyed both cold and at room temperature.
4
Servings
225
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried rigatoni pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
Grape tomatoes
1 1/2 cups (halved)
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (cubed (1/2-inch cubes))
Pesto sauce
1/3 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
2
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat the pasta dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
3
In the bowl with the pasta, gently fold in the halved grape tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, pesto sauce, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined, taking care not to break the mozzarella.
4
Taste the pasta salad and add salt and pepper to your preference. Remember, the pesto and parmesan may already contribute some saltiness.
5
If preparing in advance, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad. For the best flavor and texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pesto Caprese Delight Pasta Salad?
It is a fresh and vibrant pasta salad that combines Caprese flavors with al dente pasta and an aromatic pesto sauce.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of dried rigatoni pasta.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, while rigatoni is specified, you can substitute it with other shapes like penne or fusilli.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 225 calories per serving.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of halved grape tomatoes.
How long should I cook the rigatoni?
The pasta should be boiled for 8-10 minutes until it is al dente.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing stops the cooking process immediately and cools the pasta for the salad.
Why is it important to pat the pasta dry?
Patting the pasta dry removes excess moisture, ensuring the sauce adheres properly and the salad doesn't become soggy.
How should the mozzarella cheese be prepared?
The mozzarella should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
How much pesto sauce is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of pesto sauce, either store-bought or homemade.
Does the recipe include parmesan cheese?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How do I season the salad?
Add salt and pepper to your preference, noting that pesto and parmesan are already salty.
What is the best temperature to serve this dish?
It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add strips of hard salami or pepperoni for extra flavor.
Is this recipe good for picnics?
Yes, it is specifically noted as an excellent offering for picnics and gatherings.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
Allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor and texture.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 7.5g of protein.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 6 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
What precautions should I take when mixing the salad?
Mix gently to ensure you do not break or smash the mozzarella cubes.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta salad, caprese, pesto, lunch, appetizer, picnic, vegetarian, and easy recipe.
Is there any fiber information for this dish?
The fiber content for this recipe is not provided.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
Yes, cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitute for grape tomatoes.
What should the pasta texture be?
The pasta should be cooked until 'al dente'.
Is this considered a main course or a side dish?
It can be served as either a side dish or a light main course.
How should the grape tomatoes be prepared?
The grape tomatoes should be halved before being added to the bowl.