Caprese Pasta Salad

$- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste In this Caprese Pasta Salad, each ingredient shines. First, the pasta. I like fusilli or penne because they hold sauce well. Use a good quality pasta. It makes a big difference. Next, cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. Halve them for a pop of color and flavor. Fresh mozzarella balls add a creamy texture. Look for bocconcini for the best taste. Fresh basil leaves are key. They brighten the dish and add a wonderful aroma. Make sure to tear them roughly to release their oils. For dressing, extra-virgin olive oil is a must. It gives richness. Balsamic glaze adds sweetness and tang. Italian seasoning enhances all the flavors. Finally, don't forget salt and pepper to taste. They round out the whole dish. - Additional basil leaves - Parmesan cheese shavings Garnishes are not just for looks. More basil leaves give a fresh kick. Parmesan shavings add a salty bite. They make your salad look and taste even better. For the full recipe, follow the steps to create this fresh and flavorful dish. - Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt. - Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of pasta. I like fusilli or penne. - Cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. - After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process. Set it aside. - In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of halved fresh mozzarella balls. - Add 1 cup of roughly torn fresh basil leaves to the bowl. - Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze over the ingredients. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. - Gently toss everything together until it is well mixed. Make sure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. - For the best flavor, let the salad sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend. - You can serve the salad in a large bowl or in individual cups for a nice touch. - For garnish, add extra basil leaves or shavings of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Caprese Pasta Salad! For the full recipe, don’t forget to check the details above! - Choosing the right pasta: Use fusilli or penne. These shapes hold the sauce well. They add texture and make each bite tasty. - Best oils for flavor: Extra-virgin olive oil works best. It adds richness and depth. You can also try flavored oils for a twist. - Balancing flavors with seasoning: Use salt and pepper. Italian seasoning brings out the best in this dish. Taste as you go to find your perfect mix. - Overcooking the pasta: Cook pasta until al dente. If overcooked, it becomes mushy. Set a timer and taste a piece before draining. - Skipping the resting time: Let the salad sit for 15 minutes. This helps flavors blend. Don’t rush; good food takes time! For the full recipe, check the Caprese Pasta Salad section above. {{image_2}} You can make your Caprese Pasta Salad heartier by adding protein. Here are two great options: - Grilled chicken: It adds a nice smoky flavor and a filling bite. Simply grill your chicken and slice it into strips. Toss it in with the pasta salad before serving. - Shrimp or crab: Both seafood options bring a fresh taste. Cook shrimp until pink and tender, or use pre-cooked crab meat. Mix these into your salad for a coastal twist. Enhancing flavor can take your salad to the next level. Try these simple additions: - Adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes: Both add a salty kick and depth. Chop some olives or slice sun-dried tomatoes, then stir them in. - Experimenting with cheese types: While fresh mozzarella is classic, you can try feta or goat cheese. Each brings a unique taste that can change the whole dish. You can easily adapt this salad to fit different diets. Here are two suggestions: - Substituting pasta for zucchini noodles: If you want a low-carb option, spiralize zucchini into noodles. This makes the salad light and fresh while keeping it enjoyable. - Using vegan cheese alternatives: Swap out the mozzarella for a vegan cheese. Many brands offer tasty options that melt well and keep the spirit of the dish alive. Feel free to explore these variations in your Full Recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad! To keep your Caprese pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Place it in the fridge right after serving. The salad can last in the fridge for about three days. After that, the ingredients may lose their crispness. You can enjoy this salad cold, but if you prefer it warm, use a gentle method. Place it in a pan over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. This keeps the flavors bright and tasty. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta mushy. I do not recommend freezing Caprese pasta salad. The fresh ingredients may become soggy when thawed. If you do freeze it, use it within a month. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, mix it well and taste before serving. This ensures the flavors return to life. Caprese Pasta Salad is a fresh dish that combines simple, tasty ingredients. You will find pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in this salad. The flavors are bright and vibrant. The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs well with the creamy cheese. Fresh basil adds a lovely herb note. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze completes this dish. This salad is a perfect summer meal or a side dish for any occasion. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! To keep it fresh, follow these tips: - Prepare the salad and store it in an airtight container. - Add the olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving. - This way, the flavors stay fresh and bright. - You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving. Caprese Pasta Salad pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great options: - Grilled chicken or fish for protein. - Garlic bread for a crunchy side. - A fresh green salad for more veggies. - A light soup, like tomato basil, complements the flavors. These sides enhance your meal and make it feel complete. You can easily customize Caprese Pasta Salad to suit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein. - Mix in olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. - Swap the mozzarella for feta or goat cheese. - Use different herbs, like parsley or mint, for a twist. These changes keep the salad exciting and personal! This Caprese Pasta Salad is fresh and simple to make. We covered all the key ingredients, from pasta and tomatoes to cheese and basil. I shared tips to perfect your salad, avoid common mistakes, and even ways to customize it. Remember, letting the salad rest enhances its flavor. With these steps and ideas, you can create a delicious dish for any meal. Enjoy experimenting and sharing your tasty salad with friends and family!$

Discover the perfect summer dish with this delicious Caprese Pasta Salad! Bursting with fresh flavors from cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, this easy recipe takes just 25 minutes to make. Enjoy the delightful combination of olive oil and balsamic glaze that ties everything together. Whether for a picnic or a light dinner, this salad is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal today!

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Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne works well)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain once done and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.

Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Add the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with dressing.

For optimal flavor, allow the salad to sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature before serving, allowing the flavors to mingle.

Serve in a large bowl or individual cups for a more elegant presentation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4