Caprese-Inspired Pasta Salad With Nut-Free Pesto

Made with nut-free pesto, this quick pasta salad from Cooking Light is a tasty, cheesy option for a busy weeknight. If you don’t have farfalle, feel free to use any other whole-grain pasta.

under 20 mins
dinner lunch
Updated on 6 January 2024

Ingredients for servings

    Caprese-Inspired Pasta Salad with Nut-Free Pesto

  • uncooked whole-grain farfalle

  • 2 cup fresh basil leaves

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 clove garlic

  • 1 cup grape tomatoes halved

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved

  • 0.75 cup mozzarella cheese divided, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3/4 cup)

  • 0.25 cup Romano cheese grated

Directions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain. Place pasta in a large bowl.

  • Combine basil and next 5 ingredients (through garlic) in the bowl of a food processor; process until smooth.

  • Add basil mixture, tomatoes, and half the mozzarella to pasta; toss to combine.

  • Top with remaining mozzarella and Romano cheese.

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