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A fresh and bright Caprese-inspired pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a simple olive oil and white balsamic vinegar dressing. Perfect as a quick side or light main dish, and tastes better after resting to meld flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
  • 1 lb small pasta (fusilli, orecchiette, or penne)
  • 16 oz mozzarella balls (ciliegine or pearl size), drained and halved
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 clove garlic, minced very finely
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously.
  2. Add the pasta and cook al dente according to package directions.
  3. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  4. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
  5. Drain and halve the mozzarella balls.
  6. Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them with the mozzarella to a large mixing bowl.
  7. When pasta is cooled, add it to the bowl with tomatoes and mozzarella.
  8. Thinly slice the basil and fold it gently into the salad.
  9. In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  10. Whisk or shake dressing vigorously to emulsify.
  11. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  12. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or vinegar; add reserved pasta water or extra olive oil if salad seems dry.
  13. Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Add basil and tomatoes just before serving if storing salad for a day or longer to keep basil fresh and tomatoes firm., To keep pasta from getting mushy, cook al dente and rinse with cold water after draining., Using some reserved pasta water helps the dressing adhere and prevent dryness., Variations include swapping pasta type, using regular balsamic or other vinegars, or adding proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp to make a main dish., Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, and vegan with vegan cheese or marinated tofu instead of mozzarella., Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled; bring out 15-20 minutes before serving and stir gently.

Nutrition

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