Caprese Pasta Salad

 Caprese Pasta Salad 

This Caprese Pasta Salad is a huge hit at parties. Serve this delicious dish as a side, salad or appetizer. The combination of cheese, tomatoes, pesto and basil is absolute perfection 

8 oz Rotini pasta, cooked el dente, drained 

8 oz grape tomatoes, halved 

8 oz mozzarella pearls 

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup pesto 

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper 

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. 

Substitute fresh mozzarella cut into 1/2 inch cubes if mozzarella pearls are unavailable. 

This salad will stay fresh in the fridge for several days so this is a great make ahead dish. 

Replace fresh basil with 1 tbsp of dried basil in a pinch. 

Add shredded or chopped chicken to make this a main dish.