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Summer Delight Caprese Pasta Salad

Summer Delight Caprese Pasta Salad: Fresh & Flavor-Packed Bliss

Summer Delight Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta or swap for farfalle or penne if desired
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes pat dry before adding
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls use water-packed for best texture
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves tear leaves gently
  • 1/4 medium red onion optional; can be omitted
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil base of the vinaigrette
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze key component of dressing
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced for best results
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 1/4 tsp red-pepper flakes optional; adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain in a colander.
  2. Cool Pasta: Rinse the drained pasta under cold running water to halt the cooking. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
  3. Mix Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, red onion if using, and torn basil. Stir gently.
  4. Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a separate bowl.
  5. Combine: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss to coat without breaking the mozzarella pearls.
  6. Serve: Let sit for a few minutes at room temperature, then serve in a large bowl and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Pasta should be cooked al dente and rinsed immediately to prevent mushiness. Cherry tomatoes should be dried before adding to the salad to maintain flavor.

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