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Fresh Cold Caprese Pasta Salad with Basil

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A quick and easy 5-ingredient summer pasta salad featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a light olive oil and balsamic dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (about 225g) short pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
  • 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or small mozzarella pearls
  • 1 pint (about 300g) ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (about 25g) fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of your chosen short pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off excess water to prevent sogginess.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve 1 pint (300g) of cherry tomatoes and roughly tear or chop 1 cup (25g) of fresh basil leaves. Drain 8 ounces (225g) of fresh mozzarella balls, then cut larger pieces in half for even bites.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
  5. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Using a wooden spoon or salad tongs, toss everything gently to combine without bruising the tomatoes or basil.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. If in a hurry, 15 minutes is sufficient.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to keep it al dente and prevent mushiness. Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Use fresh basil generously and tear by hand to avoid bruising. Drain mozzarella well to avoid excess moisture. Season in layers for balanced flavor. Add basil just before serving if storing for several hours to keep it fresh and green.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, summer pasta salad, cold pasta salad, fresh basil salad, mozzarella pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/fresh-cold-caprese-pasta-salad-with-basil-easy-5-ingredient-summer-recipe/