Caprese Pasta Salad
A pasta salad recipe that is perfect as a dinner entree, side dish, lunch or brunch. Enjoy the classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil tossed with pasta and drizzled with a rich balsamic vinaigrette. This recipe is quick, easy, and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pasta farfalle recommended
- 1 pint grape (or cherry) tomatoes halved
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cubed
- ¼ cup fresh basil torn or chopped
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar *Chef note: This recipe is best with good quality balsamic vinegar.
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt to taste
- coarsely ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions (for added flavor, add a large pinch of salt to the water to season the pasta).
- Mix tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil together in a large bowl.
- Pour balsamic vinegar into a small bowl and drizzle extra virgin olive oil into the bowl while whisking vigorously (this action should thicken the dressing slightly). Add a pinch of coarsely ground black pepper.
- Pour half of the balsamic vinegar mixture over the tomato, mozzarella, basil mixture. Stir with a spoon.
- Pour the prepared pasta over the tomato, mozzarella, basil mixture. Pour the remaining balsamic vinaigrette mixture over the pasta. Stir with a large spoon.
- For a warm salad, serve right away. For a chilled salad, place in refrigerator and chill for at least an hour before service. Enjoy!
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