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–+ servings

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Equipment

  • Small Bowl
  • Large Bowl
  • Large Saucepan (4 Quarts)

Ingredients  

Marinated Ciliegine (Mozzarella Balls)

  • 8 ounces ciliegine, small fresh mozzarella balls
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Caprese Pasta Salad

  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
  • 4 tablespoons pesto, homemade or jarred
  • 8 ounces short pasta
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions 

Marinated Ciliegine (Mozzarella Balls)

  • In a small bowl combine the olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt.
  • Add the ciliegine and stir to coat.
  • Transfer to an airtight container and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
  • Allow the marinated ciliegine to come to room temperature before adding to the pasta salad.

Caprese Pasta Salad

  • In a large saucepan cook the pasta until it is al dente following the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water then set aside.
  • In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, tomatoes, pesto, and the marinated ciliegine, including the olive oil and herbs.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze and add freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately

Notes

1. Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. The nutritional value is only for Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad and will vary based on the brand of ingredients used. It does not include the nutrition for any substitutions.
2. Be sure to check out the Key Ingredients along with the Recipe Tips and Notes sections found in the post, for more tips, options, substitutions, and variations for this recipe! You will also find step-by-step photos there.