Caprese Style Pesto Pasta Salad

Name: Caprese Style Pesto Pasta Salad
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 7 oz orecchiette pasta; 0 cups water for boiling; 8.8 oz cherry tomatoes mixed colors, halved; 1 tbsp olive oil; 0 tsp salt; 4.4 oz mozzarella torn; 1 handful fresh basil leaves sliced; 0.25 cups pesto good quality; 0 tsp black pepper; 0 tsp balsamic vinegar optional drizzle

A delicious twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, this pesto pasta salad is simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor.

By @madeleinesmeals

Original recipe source

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

7 oz orecchiette pasta
0 cups water for boiling
8.8 oz cherry tomatoes mixed colors, halved
1 tbsp olive oil
0 tsp salt
4.4 oz mozzarella torn
1 handful fresh basil leaves sliced
0.25 cups pesto good quality
0 tsp black pepper
0 tsp balsamic vinegar optional drizzle

Instructions

Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
Halve the mixed colored cherry tomatoes. Optionally, roast in a little olive oil and salt for 15-20 minutes at 375°F until blistered and juicy. Allow to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted (or raw) cherry tomatoes, torn mozzarella, sliced basil, and pesto. Season with salt and pepper.
Taste the salad and adjust with more pesto or seasoning if needed. Finish with extra fresh basil and an optional balsamic drizzle.