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These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

May 13, 2025

9 Ingredients
MEDIUM

This Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Tender pasta is tossed with vibrant pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella balls, then finished with Parmesan and olive oil. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a quick meal prep lunch, this salad captures the essence of a caprese dish with a delicious herby twist.

Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad cover
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4

Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

By
These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

Ingredients

bowls
Milk and 6 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

1
|
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2
|
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
3
|
Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4
|
Add grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
5
|
Toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Bite Tutorial

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Pasta Water Magic 💧
    Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining to help the pesto cling perfectly to the pasta and create a silkier sauce.
  • Pesto Pro Tip 🌿
    If using store-bought pesto, thin it slightly with extra olive oil to ensure even coating and prevent clumping in the pasta salad.
  • Chill Factor 🧊
    Cool the pasta completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent the mozzarella from melting and to keep the salad's texture crisp and fresh.
  • Seasoning Layers 🧂
    Season your pasta water generously with salt, and taste the salad before serving, adjusting with additional Parmesan, salt, and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Tomato Technique 🍅
    Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juices and create more surface area for the pesto to cling to, maximizing flavor in every bite.

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About the Cook

These Carbs Don't Count

These Carbs Don't Count

Verified

Hi! I’m Angela and if you’re reading this you probably love carbs & pasta and you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share delicious recipes, cooking tips, gluten free life & restaurant recs! Welcome carbies and subscribe for more content! Link above :)

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