Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

A Fresh Twist on a Classic Italian Salad — Perfect for Holidays, Picnics & Everyday Cravings

There’s something irresistible about a well-made pasta salad — hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare ahead. But when you elevate it with the fragrant richness of garlic pesto, creamy mozzarella, and the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes, you get a show-stopping dish that can steal the spotlight at any meal. Introducing the Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad — a vibrant medley of Mediterranean ingredients that blend tradition and comfort in one bite.

Whether you’re hunting for pasta salads for Thanksgiving dinner, looking to freshen up your weekly meal prep, or need a festive dish for a picnic or potluck, this creamy, basil-kissed salad deserves a spot on your table. And for those exploring alternative salad ideas like pasta romaine salad, pasta salad without tomatoes, or craveable pesto noodle salad, you’ll find all the variations and inspiration you need right here.

🍝 What Is a Caprese Pasta Salad?

Caprese (pronounced kah-preh-zay) originates from Italy and traditionally combines tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basile azeite de oliva. These fresh and simple ingredients come together to form a dish that tastes like summer in every bite.

A Caprese pasta salad takes this timeless combination and tosses it with al dente pasta, making it more filling and versatile. In our twist, we’re going one step further by enveloping it in a creamy pesto dressing that makes every bite irresistibly rich and herbaceous.

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

✔️ Loaded with Fresh Ingredients – Think vibrant cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and soft mozzarella.
✔️ Personalizável – Easily swap ingredients to create variations like arugula pasta salad recipes ou um pasta salad without tomatoes.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep or Entertaining – Serve it cold, at room temperature, or slightly chilled.
✔️ Pairs with Everything – It’s light yet satisfying, making it the perfect companion for grilled meats or a standalone vegetarian main.
✔️ Great for the Holidays – Add this to your spread of pasta salads for Thanksgiving dinner as a fresh counterpoint to rich, heavy sides.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of ingredients for the base recipe, but don’t worry — we’ll cover plenty of substitutions and add-ons to suit every taste.

For the Pasta Salad:

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, bowtie, penne, or fusilli – the ridges hold the sauce well)
• 1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini), halved
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed and torn
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 cup arugula or romaine lettuce, chopped (for optional greens)

For the Creamy Garlic Pesto Dressing:

• 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 xícara de maionese (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 colher de sopa de azeite de oliva
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 colher de sopa de suco de limão
• Sal e pimenta-do-reinoa gosto

🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cozinhar o Macarrão

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it to al dente texture according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes).

🌟 Tip: Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to cool it quickly and prevent sticking.

2. Whisk the Dressing

In a medium bowl, mix together the pesto, mayo, sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

For a more garlicky kick, add another clove of minced garlic. Prefer a lighter dressing? Sub the sour cream for more Greek yogurt.

3. Toss the Salad Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella, basil leaves, and red onions. Pour in the dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

4. Add Optional Greens

Fold in the chopped arugula or romaine for extra freshness. This is a great way to explore pasta romaine salad ou arugula pasta salad recipes within the same dish.

5. Chill Before Serving

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. Serve cold or at room temperature with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

🥗 Variations and Add-Ins

This salad is incredibly versatile. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, protein-packed, or tomato-free, here are some great ways to mix things up.

✅ Pasta Salad Without Tomatoes

Not a fan of tomatoes? No problem. Replace them with:

• Diced cucumbers
• Roasted red peppers
• Kalamata olives
• Grilled zucchini or squash

This keeps the freshness while avoiding the acidity of tomatoes.

✅ Anti-Pesto Salad? Try These Options

Love Caprese but not pesto? Swap the dressing for:

• A balsamic vinaigrette
• A lemon-Dijon dressing
• A roasted red pepper dressing

This gives you a Caprese-style anti pesto salad that’s still loaded with Italian flavor.

✅ Add Greens

Adding chopped greens like romaine lettuce, arugula, ou espinafre provides a crisp, peppery bite and a boost of nutrients.

✅ Adicionar Proteína

Turn it into a complete meal with these options:

• Grilled chicken breast
• Sliced turkey sausage
• White beans or chickpeas
• Tuna or grilled shrimp

Adding protein makes it a perfect high-energy pesto noodle salad ideal for lunch or post-workout fuel.

🧀 Best Pasta to Use

Short pasta varieties are best for salads because they:

• Hold the dressing well
• Are easy to scoop and serve
• Maintain texture without getting soggy

Top choices include:

• Rotini
• Penne
• Bowtie (Farfalle)
• Fusilli
• Cavatappi

Avoid spaghetti or linguine, which tend to clump when chilled.

🕒 Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This is a great dish to prepare in advance!

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the salad and dressing separately. Mix just before serving or chill together for up to 24 hours.
• Armazenamento: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freshen It Up: Add a drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon before serving leftovers to revive the flavor.

⚠️ Avoid adding lettuce or arugula too early — they wilt quickly. Stir them in fresh right before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta salad pairs beautifully with:

Principais Cursos:

• Frango grelhado ou bife
• Roasted turkey or lamb
• Salmon or grilled shrimp skewers

Thanksgiving Sides:

• Assado de legumes
• Cranberry sauce
• Butternut squash soup

Because it’s creamy, vibrant, and herbaceous, it acts as a refreshing contrast to rich holiday foods — making it one of the best pasta salads for Thanksgiving dinner.

💡 Homemade Basil Pesto (Bonus Recipe)

If you have a few extra minutes and fresh basil on hand, making your own pesto is easy and more flavorful than store-bought.

Ingredientes:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 dentes de alho
• 1 colher de sopa de suco de limão
• Sal a gosto

Instruções:

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

📊 Nutritional Info (per serving)

While exact values will vary based on ingredients, here’s a general breakdown:

• Calories: ~375
• Proteína: 11g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fat: 24g
• Fibra: 3g
• Açúcar: 3g

Using Greek yogurt and adding extra greens or lean protein can make it even more nutritious and balanced.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely. Chickpea, lentil, or rice-based pasta works great. Just be sure not to overcook it.

Q: Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes! It’s 100% vegetarian. Just check your pesto for cheese made with animal rennet if that’s a concern.

Q: Can I freeze it?

Pasta salad doesn’t freeze well — the dressing and veggies can separate or become mushy. It’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated.

Q: What if I don’t have mozzarella balls?

Use cubed mozzarella or even feta for a briny twist.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish — it’s a flavorful celebration of color, texture, and tradition. Whether you make it for a holiday table, a casual lunch, or meal prep, it brings Italian-inspired freshness to every occasion.

Looking for more? Use this recipe as a template and explore related favorites:

• Arugula Pasta Salad Recipes
• Anti Pesto Salad Ideas
• Pasta Romaine Salad Variations
• Pesto Noodle Salad Meal Prep
• Pasta Salad Without Tomatoes for Sensitive Stomachs

However you plate it, this dish is sure to leave everyone craving seconds — and asking for the recipe.