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For a tasty Caprese Pasta Salad, gather these key ingredients: - 8 oz (225g) fusilli or rotini pasta - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, cut in half - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 clove garlic, finely minced - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste These ingredients create a bright and fresh flavor. The pasta gives a nice base, while the tomatoes and mozzarella add creaminess and sweetness. Fresh basil brings a lovely herbal note. You can make this salad your own by adding some optional ingredients: - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Grilled chicken for protein - Avocado for creaminess - Arugula for a peppery bite Feel free to mix and match these options. Customization makes the dish special to your taste. This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Here’s a quick look at its benefits: - High in vitamins from fresh vegetables - Good source of protein from mozzarella - Healthy fats from olive oil Each serving offers a balanced mix of nutrients. This dish is great for a light lunch or a side at dinner. You can enjoy it as a meal or share it at gatherings. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of fusilli or rotini pasta. Cook it until al dente, usually about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta firm. Grab a spacious mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Then, add 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls, cut in half. Finally, toss in 1 cup of roughly torn fresh basil leaves. Mix these gently to avoid bruising the ingredients. This blend is the heart of your salad. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze next. Then, include 1 clove of finely minced garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you like, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for extra flavor. This dressing will bring your salad to life. Now, add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Drizzle the dressing over everything. Use salad tongs to mix gently. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated. This step is key to a tasty salad. Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. This ensures all the ingredients are well mixed. For the full recipe, check out Caprese Pasta Salad . To cook pasta just right, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a good amount of salt. The salt helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it has a slight bite to it. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes for fusilli or rotini. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps your pasta firm and fresh for the salad. A great dressing makes your salad pop! For this Caprese Pasta Salad, mix extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Add finely minced garlic for a punch of flavor. Don't forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you want, sprinkle in some dried oregano for extra taste. Whisk these together until they blend well. Drizzle this dressing over your salad right before serving. This ensures the fresh ingredients remain vibrant and lively. When mixing your salad, be gentle. You want to combine all the flavors without crushing the tomatoes or mozzarella. Use salad tongs to toss everything together. Start with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Then, add your cooled pasta. Drizzle the dressing on top and toss carefully. This way, every bite has the perfect mix of flavors. Letting the salad sit for a bit helps the flavors meld together nicely. Aim for at least 15 minutes of resting time. This simple step makes a big difference in taste. {{image_4}} If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer pasta made from rice or chickpeas. These options taste great and keep the salad's texture. You can follow the same cooking instructions. Just remember to check the cooking time, as it may vary. This way, everyone can enjoy Caprese pasta salad. Adding protein can make this salad more filling. Grilled chicken is a popular choice. Simply cook the chicken, chop it, and toss it in. Shrimp is another tasty option. Cook shrimp until they turn pink, then add them to the salad. You can also use canned chickpeas for a fun twist. This will boost the protein and make it heartier. For a vegetarian twist, replace mozzarella with an alternative cheese. Try using feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. You can also add some nuts like pine nuts or walnuts. They add crunch and healthy fats. Consider tossing in some roasted vegetables too, like zucchini or bell peppers. This makes the salad even more colorful and nutritious. To keep your pasta salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover the container tightly. This helps prevent air from getting in and keeps the flavors intact. I like to use glass containers because they do not hold smells. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to three days. It is best to eat it within this time for the best taste. Pasta salad is usually served cold. If you prefer it warm, heat it gently. You can use the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir it halfway through to ensure even warming. Be careful not to overheat, as it can change the texture of the mozzarella and basil. I recommend enjoying it cold to keep the fresh flavors bright. The shelf-life of your Caprese pasta salad is about three days in the fridge. After this time, the tomatoes may begin to lose their firmness, and the salad may not taste as fresh. To keep it at its best, avoid adding dressing until you are ready to eat. This keeps the pasta from becoming soggy. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing the plain pasta only. You can make the salad fresh when you are ready to eat it. For the full recipe, check the provided link. To make Caprese Pasta Salad vegan, swap fresh mozzarella for a plant-based cheese. You can use cashew cheese or any vegan mozzarella. Both will give you a similar creamy texture. Make sure to check labels, as some products may contain dairy. You can also boost flavors with extra herbs and spices. Yes, you can use different types of cheese in your Caprese Pasta Salad. Feta cheese adds a tangy kick. Goat cheese works well for a creamy touch. You can also try vegan cheese if you want a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that each cheese changes the flavor profile. Serve Caprese Pasta Salad as a side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs nicely with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it as a light lunch on its own. For a fun twist, add it to a wrap or sandwich. Yes, Caprese Pasta Salad is great for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps the pasta fresh and prevents it from getting soggy. You now know how to make a delicious Caprese Pasta Salad. We discussed essential and optional ingredients, plus their nutritional benefits. I outlined clear steps for cooking, mixing, and serving. Remember, there are many tasty variations to explore, like gluten-free options or adding protein. Store leftovers properly for the best taste and freshness. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make every meal a delight!

Caprese Pasta Salad

Delight in the fresh flavors of this Caprese Pasta Salad! This easy recipe combines fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a delicious balsamic dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners, it's a visually stunning dish that your friends and family will love.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) fusilli or rotini pasta

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, cut in half

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

1 clove garlic, finely minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

    Prepare the Salad Base: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, the halved mozzarella balls, and the roughly torn basil leaves. Toss gently to mix the ingredients without bruising them.

      Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, finely minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you choose to use oregano, add it to the mixture as well. This dressing will elevate the flavors of your salad.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta into the bowl with the tomato and mozzarella mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad, and carefully toss everything together using salad tongs to ensure that all components are evenly coated with the delicious dressing.

          Chill: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

            Serve: Just before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss to redistribute the ingredients and dressing.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a large, attractive bowl. For an elegant touch, garnish with a few extra basil leaves on top and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze. This will not only enhance the flavors but also create an appealing visual presentation.