Easy Summer Pasta Salad – Creamy Pesto Caprese Style
A light and creamy Caprese-inspired pasta salad tossed with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and a yogurt-based dressing — perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy summer dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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8 oz short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
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1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained
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½ cup basil pesto
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⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or light mayo
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
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In a bowl, whisk pesto, yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice until creamy.
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In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
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Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
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Chill 15–20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add grilled chicken, beans, or spinach for variation. Keeps 2–3 days in the fridge.