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Refreshing Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

A high-protein summer potluck favorite featuring rotini pasta, fresh mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, and zesty basil pesto. The pasta traps delicious sauce for every bite, while the cheese and vegetables deliver a vibrant, herbaceous twist on classic Italian flavors.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz rotini pasta
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls in brine
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
  2. Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente
  3. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water to cool
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, mozzarella pearls, and halved cherry tomatoes
  5. Add basil pesto and balsamic glaze
  6. Toss until well coated and ingredients are evenly distributed
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper

Notes

Use halal-certified fresh mozzarella pearls if desired
Chickpea/lentil-based rotini pasta adds 5g extra protein per serving
Serve chilled at room temperature for 1-24 hours
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours