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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad

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A fresh and easy pasta salad combining juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil tossed with al dente pasta and a light olive oil dressing, finished with a balsamic glaze drizzle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn by hand
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional but recommended)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts or sliced olives

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella balls. Add them to the bowl with pasta.
  3. Gently tear about 1 cup of fresh basil leaves by hand and add to the bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly without squishing the tomatoes or mozzarella.
  6. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.
  7. Optionally, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced olives for extra texture and flavor.
  8. Serve chilled or at room temperature. If chilling, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad; add just enough olive oil and balsamic glaze to highlight the fresh ingredients. Tear basil leaves by hand to preserve aroma. Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Add balsamic glaze just before serving to avoid staining the pasta. Salad can be served chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, pasta salad, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze, summer salad, easy recipe, picnic dish

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-cherry-tomato-salad/