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–+ servings

Pesto Caprese Salad

A fresh, vibrant twist on classic caprese made with juicy cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil pesto. It comes together in minutes and works beautifully as a side dish, light lunch, or summer appetizer.
Shared notes will appear here.
Soups, Salads & Bowls
Italian
Kitchen Pace : 🕒
Servings: 4
Recipe by NAVA Kitchen
Pesto caprese salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, basil, and toasted sourdough in the background.
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Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls, small mozzarella balls, drained
  • ¼ cup basil pesto
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Optional: very light drizzle of balsamic glaze or pomegranate molasses, for serving

Method:

Start Cooking
  • Add the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls to a large bowl.
  • Spoon in the pesto and drizzle with olive oil.
  • Gently toss until evenly coated.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl or platter.
  • If using, add a very light drizzle of balsamic glaze or pomegranate molasses just before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve fresh or slightly chilled. Bon appétit.

Kitchen Tools:

Notes:

From the kitchen
  • Let the mozzarella pearls sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for better flavor and texture.
  • If your pesto is very thick, loosen it with a little olive oil before mixing.
  • Add the balsamic glaze or pomegranate molasses just before serving to keep the salad fresh and glossy.
 
Make it yours
  • Add a little more pesto if you prefer a richer, more herb-forward salad.
  • Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
  • Toss in toasted pine nuts for crunch.
  • Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling.
  • Use yellow cherry tomatoes for extra color variation.
  • Add cooked pasta to turn it into a pesto caprese pasta salad.
 
At the table
  • Serve chilled or slightly cool alongside grilled chicken, salmon, steak, sandwiches, or crusty bread.
  • It also works beautifully for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings.

My notes:

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Nutrition:

Calories: 274 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g | Cholesterol: 46 mg | Sodium: 509 mg | Potassium: 206 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 3 g | Vitamin A: 1060 IU | Vitamin C: 17 mg | Calcium: 320 mg | Iron: 1 mg
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