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A fresh and vibrant pasta salad combining cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, dressed with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light family meals with Italian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces pasta (fusilli, bowtie, or penne preferred)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
  • ½ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
  3. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking; set aside to cool completely.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, salt, and pepper; adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Slice cherry tomatoes in half.
  6. Drain fresh mozzarella balls.
  7. Roughly chop fresh basil.
  8. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
  9. Pour the dressing over the salad.
  10. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  11. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  12. Give the salad a final gentle toss before serving.
  13. Optional: drizzle additional balsamic glaze on top.

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best flavor., Salt pasta water well to season pasta during cooking., Make sure pasta is completely cooled before mixing to preserve basil and mozzarella texture., Assemble salad close to serving time to keep basil fresh and prevent pasta from becoming soggy., Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; keep dressing separate if possible., To make vegan, replace mozzarella with vegan cheese or marinated tofu and ensure balsamic glaze is vegan-friendly., For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta variety., For keto-friendly version, substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice., Add toasted pine nuts, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies as additions for extra texture and protein., Serve chilled or at room temperature; to warm, heat gently then add fresh basil afterward.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerygood.com/caprese-pasta-salad/