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- 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta - 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup of fresh mozzarella pearls - 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn - 4 tablespoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze - Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (optional) When I make Easy Caprese Pasta Salad, I focus on fresh and vibrant ingredients. The rotini or penne pasta serves as the base of this dish. Both pasta types hold sauce well, making each bite flavorful. The cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness. Halving them allows their juices to mix with the other ingredients. Fresh mozzarella pearls provide a creamy texture and rich taste. They melt in your mouth and pair well with the tomatoes. Next, I add fresh basil leaves. Their aroma is uplifting, and they enhance the dish's flavor. I prefer to tear the leaves roughly. This method releases their oils and adds a rustic touch. I use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for its rich taste. It coats the pasta and adds depth. Balsamic glaze brings a sweet and tangy element. It ties all the flavors together beautifully. For seasoning, I use fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. You can adjust these to your liking. If you want an extra kick, add Italian seasoning. Its herbs complement the salad well and enhance the overall taste. This dish is simple yet full of flavor. The ingredients shine through, making every bite a delight. If you want to try this recipe, check the Full Recipe for more details! To start, boil a large pot of salted water. Use enough salt to make the water taste like the sea. Once the water is boiling, add 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Check the pasta a minute or two early to avoid overcooking. After cooking, drain it in a colander. Then rinse the pasta under cold water. This cools it down fast and stops the cooking. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of fresh mozzarella pearls, and 1 cup of roughly torn fresh basil leaves. This colorful mix is the heart of your salad. Next, carefully fold in the cooled pasta. Be gentle so you do not crush the ingredients. You want everything mixed well but still looking nice. Drizzle 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the salad. Season it with fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If you want, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Toss everything gently to combine the flavors. Taste your salad and adjust the seasonings if needed. Let it sit for 10 minutes at room temperature. This time allows the flavors to mix beautifully. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To achieve the perfect al dente texture, start with salted boiling water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Check it a minute or two early to avoid overcooking. You want it firm but not hard. Timing for rinsing pasta is key. Once the pasta is done, drain it in a colander. Rinse it under cold running water right away. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from getting mushy. You want that nice bite in every forkful. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like oregano or parsley. A pinch of crushed red pepper can add some heat. You can also mix in garlic for a savory kick. These small changes can make a big impact. For the best balsamic glaze, choose a high-quality brand. A thicker glaze will coat the pasta better. You can also make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces. It will become sweet and syrupy, adding depth to your salad. Serving suggestions are important for making your dish stand out. Use a large, bright bowl to show off the colorful pasta. Layer the ingredients for a beautiful display. You can also serve it on a wooden cutting board for a rustic look. Garnishing techniques can elevate your salad. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of green. Drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze just before serving. This final touch makes your dish not only taste great but look fantastic too. {{image_4}} You can change your Caprese pasta salad with seasonal veggies. In summer, add fresh zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, try roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. Each veggie brings a new taste and color. You can also swap the mozzarella for other cheeses. Try feta for a tangy kick or goat cheese for creaminess. Each cheese will change the flavor in fun ways. Want to make your dish heartier? Add grilled chicken or shrimp. Simply season and grill your protein, then slice it up and mix it in. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or black beans. They add texture and protein without meat. You can also use tofu for a plant-based boost. Just marinate it, then sauté until golden. If you need gluten-free pasta, many brands are out there. Look for brown rice or chickpea pasta for a great texture. When using gluten-free pasta, cook it a bit less to avoid mushiness. You can still enjoy a tasty salad while meeting dietary needs. Adjust the recipe as needed to keep the flavors balanced. To keep your Easy Caprese Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass containers work great as they do not stain or hold odors. You can use plastic containers too, but ensure they seal tightly. If you have leftover dressing, store it separately to keep the salad crisp. In the fridge, your salad can last for about three days. After that, it may lose its freshness. Look for signs of spoilage like a sour smell or slimy tomatoes. If you see any mold, it's best to toss it out. You can enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently heat it in a pan on low heat. Avoid high heat to keep the pasta from becoming mushy. Just warm it enough to take the chill off, and it’s ready to serve. For the best flavor, serve it fresh! A Caprese salad is a simple dish from Italy. It features fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. You layer these ingredients and drizzle them with olive oil. It’s colorful and bright, showcasing the flavors of fresh ingredients. The classic version uses ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Each bite delivers a taste of summer, making it a favorite. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! To keep it fresh, prepare the pasta and mix it with the other ingredients just before serving. If you must prep it early, store the salad in the fridge for up to a day. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This way, the pasta remains firm and the flavors stay bright. To prevent the pasta from sticking, rinse it with cold water right after cooking. This cools the pasta quickly and stops the cooking process. Make sure to use plenty of water when boiling. Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks. This also helps to keep it from clumping. For an extra tip, toss the cooled pasta with a little olive oil before mixing it with the salad. This will help keep it separated and delicious! In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty Caprese pasta salad. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about variations, storage, and common questions. This dish is simple and fun to prepare. It’s perfect for gatherings or quick meals. Enjoy the fresh flavors and get creative with your ingredients. With these tips, you can make a delightful salad that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

Elevate your summer meals with this refreshing Caprese pasta salad! Packed with vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this colorful dish is perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s super easy to make in just 25 minutes! Discover the step-by-step instructions and tips for a stunning presentation. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and impress your guests with every bite!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces rotini or penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

4 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for an extra flavor boost)

Instructions
 

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes, but check a minute or two early to ensure perfect texture.

    Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold running water. This will help cool it down quickly and halt the cooking process, preserving that delightful al dente bite.

      In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and roughly torn basil leaves. This colorful mixture will be the heart of your salad.

        Gently fold the cooled pasta into the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella, taking care not to crush any ingredients. You want everything evenly mixed while maintaining their shapes.

          Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze generously over the salad. Season it with fine sea salt, cracked pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is well-coated and harmoniously blended.

            Taste your creation and adjust the seasonings as desired. Feel free to add a little more olive oil, salt, or balsamic glaze depending on your personal tastes.

              Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period is key, as it lets the flavors develop and mingle beautifully.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, serve the salad in a stunning large bowl or plate. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves on top and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a final touch of elegance.