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Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz short pasta (fusilli, farfalle, or penne)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine), halved if large
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve the tomatoes and mozzarella. Tear the basil. Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

For the best flavor, let the dressed salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. If making ahead, wait to add the basil until just before you eat to keep it bright and green.