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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy pasta salad featuring fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a light balsamic dressing. Perfect for summer meals, picnics, and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta, such as rotini or penne
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad. Shake off excess water well.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, minced garlic (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. In a large bowl, add the drained pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella balls. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to break the mozzarella too much.
  5. Tear or roughly chop 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and fold them into the pasta salad. If you like a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes now to your preference.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overdress the pasta while warm to avoid sogginess. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and keep mozzarella creamy. Tear basil by hand to preserve flavor and color. Chill salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Add extra olive oil if salad seems dry after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, fresh mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes, easy pasta salad, summer salad, balsamic dressing

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-mozzarella-and-herb-salad/