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Quick Fresh Caprese Skewers with Easy Pesto Pasta Salad

Quick Fresh Caprese Skewers - featured image
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A light, refreshing recipe featuring bite-sized Caprese skewers paired with a vibrant pesto pasta salad, perfect for quick meals and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Cherry tomatoes, washed and dried (preferably vine-ripened)
  • Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
  • Fresh basil leaves, whole
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Balsamic glaze or reduction (optional)
  • Wooden or bamboo skewers, 4-inch length
  • 8 ounces rotini, fusilli, or farfalle pasta
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto sauce
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh lemon juice, to taste
  • Optional: handful of arugula or baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside to drain well.
  2. Toast 1/4 cup (30 grams) of pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with 1/3 cup (80 ml) basil pesto. Add halved cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in arugula or baby spinach if desired.
  4. Assemble Caprese skewers by threading one cherry tomato, followed by a basil leaf (folded if large), then a mozzarella ball onto each 4-inch skewer. Repeat if skewers are longer. Arrange on a serving platter.
  5. Drizzle skewers with extra virgin olive oil, then lightly sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Optionally drizzle balsamic glaze over the top.
  6. Serve immediately with pesto pasta salad chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes for best flavor. Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even pesto coating. Assemble skewers close to serving time to keep basil fresh. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute mozzarella and pasta accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, pesto pasta salad, quick recipe, summer appetizer, fresh basil, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/quick-fresh-caprese-skewers-with-easy-pesto-pasta-salad-recipe/