Caprese Pasta Salad

Name: Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 16 oz. rigatoni pasta; 3 cups packed baby spinach; 1 pint cherry tomatoes; 8 oz. Mozzarella pearls; 2 tablespoons chopped basil; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 2 cups cooked; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 small avocados; 1/2 cup basil pesto; 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt; 1/2 cup milk plus more as needed; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings
8 servings
Cuisine
Italian

Caprese Pasta Salad

Victor Mills

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This Caprese Pasta Salad is fresh yet satisfyingly delicious loaded with balsamic chicken, juicy tomatoes, buttery mozzarella, fresh basil and creamy Avocado Pesto Dressing! This salad boasts layers of flavor that elevates it to a MUST MAKE Pasta Salad! It makes a fabulous light lunch or dinner that is healthy yet tastes luxuriously delicious.

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Ingredients

Servings

Pasta Salad

16 oz. rigatoni pasta
3 cups packed baby spinach
1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
8 oz. Mozzarella pearls
2 tablespoons chopped basil
1/4 cup pine nuts optional

Balsamic Chicken

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt

Avocado Pesto Dressing

2 small avocados peeled and pitted (not large Haas)
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk plus more as needed
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

Cook pasta in generously salted water just until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water.
Meanwhile, add chicken to a large serving bowl (whatever you are going to make salad in). Add 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Add All of the Avocado Pesto ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth. Add additional milk if needed to thin to pourable consistency.
Add pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and pine nuts to a bowl and toss to combine. Stir in the desired amount of dressing (you may not use all of the dressing). Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. Chill any remaining dressing separately. When ready to serve, stir in spinach and additional dressing if needed. Best if served within one hour.