Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

As you take a bite of this vibrant Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad, the delightful blend of flavors transports you to a sunlit picnic on a warm afternoon. This refreshing dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and combines the elements of classic Caprese salad with the hearty texture of pasta. It’s an easy-to-make option that brings together bright basil, creamy mozzarella, and fresh veggies in every mouthful.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress guests at a summer gathering or simply seeking a quick and satisfying meal. It’s great for meal prep, as you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The bow-tie pasta adds a fun, whimsical shape that holds flavors beautifully.
• Fresh spinach gives the salad a robust and crunchy texture.
• Prepared basil pesto and Italian dressing make for a quick, flavorful dressing.
• This dish is perfect both as a main course or a side salad for larger meals.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for your delicious pasta salad.

For the Salad

• 1 lb uncooked bow-tie pasta
• 1 ½ to 2 c baby spinach, stemmed
• 1 pt cherry tomatoes, sliced (about 2 c.)
• 8 oz bocconcini, drained and halved

For the Dressing

• ¾ c basil pesto (or one 6 oz jar prepared basil)
• ¼ c Italian dressing
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (plus more if needed)

For Serving

• Salt and black pepper

Pesto can be homemade for more freshness.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use penne or fusilli instead of bow-tie pasta.
• Replace bocconcini with cubed mozzarella or feta.
• Spinach can be swapped for arugula for a peppery taste.
• Store-bought pesto works well for convenience.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your salad.

Boil

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta as directed.

Drain

Drain pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Transfer

Transfer to a large serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and stir. Let cool completely.

Stir

Stir in the pesto and Italian dressing until well combined.

Add

Add the spinach, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Toss gently to combine.

Season

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Refrigerate

Cover the pasta and refrigerate until ready to serve. If the pasta seems dry before serving, you can add an additional 1 ½ tsp of olive oil.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, as fresh ingredients don’t freeze well.
Reheat: there’s no need; serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing in the dressing for the best flavor absorption.
• Use fresh basil pesto for an extra burst of flavor.
• If preparing in advance, wait to add spinach until shortly before serving to keep it vibrant.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as ingredients can vary in saltiness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled chicken for a complete meal.
• Serve as a vibrant side dish for barbecues.
• Offer alongside a crisp white wine for a refreshing summer lunch.