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Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad

Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad: Fresh and Easy Weeknight Delight

Enjoy the burst of summer flavors with this creamy caprese pasta salad, a delightful dish perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz pasta short shapes like fusilli or penne
For the Salad
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz mozzarella balls fresh
  • 1 cup fresh basil sliced just before serving
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin recommended
  • 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves minced garlic fresh preferred
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil, then add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Stir gently to mix.
  3. Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl and gently fold to combine without squishing the mozzarella.
  4. Prepare fresh basil by stacking and slicing it into ribbons. Add to the salad mixture and stir gently.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper together. Pour over pasta salad and toss to coat.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Before serving, give a final toss, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add tomatoes and basil just before serving to keep them fresh. For extra flavor, reserve a cup of pasta cooking water to mix into the dressing.

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