Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
This Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect summer side dish. Pasta with fresh tomatoes, basil, shallots, mozzarella, pesto and balsamic vinegar combine to make this the most delicious salad. This recipe is easy enough to throw together for lunch meal prep with only a handful of ingredients, but flavor-packed enough to take to a BBQ. Serve this alongside lean grilled protein for the perfect meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 Pressure cooker for cooking pasta quickly
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- ½ bouillon cube to boost flavor without heaviness
- 6 oz farfalle pasta that cute bowtie shape, dry weight
- 1 large or 2 small shallots minced fine for that bite
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved for juicy bursts
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped, because it’s gotta be fresh
- 3 oz mini mozzarella balls little bites of creamy yum
- ¼ cup pesto the star that makes everything sing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar for a tangy punch
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt keeps all flavors balanced
Instructions
Instructions
- Start by cooking your farfalle pasta in your pressure cooker. You add water and the ½ bouillon cube to the pot, then toss in the dry pasta. Seal the lid and wait for the pressure to build, that valve hiss signaling it’s go time.
- Cook the pasta for just the time it takes to get al dente. You know pasta cooks fast under pressure, so keep your eyes on the steam cues. When the timer’s up, do a quick release to stop the cooking.
- Drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool down a bit. You don’t wanna melt the mozzarella when you mix everything together.
- Grab a big mixing bowl and add the minced shallots, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and your mini mozzarella balls. Toss those together so they start mingling.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the pesto, balsamic vinegar, and kosher salt. This dressing’s gonna pull all the flavors together real good.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, you want every bowtie coated with that herby goodness.
- You can serve this light pesto Caprese pasta salad right away or pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. The flavors get even better when they get to chill and meld together.
Notes
Serve chilled for a refreshing Light Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad experience.