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Easy No-Cook Lazy Girl Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe for Perfect Summer Meals

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A fresh, no-cook Caprese pasta salad combining cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil pesto for a quick, flavorful summer meal that’s ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli), cooled
  • 1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved
  • ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: sliced black olives, toasted pine nuts, fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: If not pre-cooked, boil 8 ounces of pasta in salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
  2. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella: Halve 1½ cups cherry tomatoes and 8 ounces mozzarella balls. Drain excess liquid from mozzarella.
  3. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Pour in ½ cup pesto and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Toss gently: Use a silicone spatula or large spoon to fold ingredients together carefully, coating everything with pesto and oil without breaking the mozzarella.
  5. Add fresh basil: Tear a handful of basil leaves and scatter over the salad. Toss gently to distribute.
  6. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
  7. Chill or serve immediately: Serve right away or cover and chill for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow pesto to soak in. Use al dente pasta and rinse with cold water to prevent mushiness. Drain mozzarella well to avoid watering down the salad. Tear basil leaves instead of chopping to prevent browning. Adjust olive oil quantity to avoid greasiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, no-cook pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, pesto pasta salad, lazy girl recipe, quick dinner, mozzarella salad

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/easy-no-cook-lazy-girl-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-for-perfect-summer-meals/