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Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Equipment:
Large pot
Colander
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Cuisine Type: Italian
Caprese Pasta Salad is a revitalizing and vibrant dish that captures the essence of a classic Caprese salad, enhanced with pasta for a hearty twist. This salad combines al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves, all tossed in a light olive oil dressing. It's perfect for a warm day picnic, a potluck gathering, or as a side dish for your summer barbecues, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. The addition of a drizzle of balsamic glaze elevates the flavors, creating a delightful balance between the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella. This Caprese Pasta Salad isn't only quick to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Gently toss them together to mix, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the pasta.
- Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Toss everything together gently to guarantee an even distribution of ingredients.
- Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the pasta mixture. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together again until well combined.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to develop. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Extra Tips
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the cherry tomatoes in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a few minutes before combining them with the pasta. You can also add other ingredients such as diced avocado, red onion, or olives to customize the salad to your liking. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two—just be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving again!