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Quick Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad

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A fresh, quick, and satisfying Caprese pasta salad ready in 15 minutes, perfect for summer meals with simple, bright flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn or cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally.
  2. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta using a colander. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes but keep it slightly warm.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, tear or cut fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, and roughly chop basil leaves.
  4. Finely mince garlic if using.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze or vinegar. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the salad feels dry.
  7. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes. If chilling, add basil just before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Toss pasta while still warm to absorb olive oil and balsamic better. Reserve pasta water to adjust salad consistency. Add basil just before serving if chilling to keep it fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, quick pasta salad, summer salad, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/quick-fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-15-minute-summer-meal/