Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Cherry Caprese Pasta Salad! Imagine a vibrant dish that combines the classic Italian Caprese flavors with a refreshing twist, perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light, delicious, and incredibly easy to prepare. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched streets of Italy with every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent presentation.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella balls.
- Gently chop fresh basil leaves, releasing their aromatic oils, and sprinkle over the pasta mixture.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad, ensuring even distribution across all ingredients.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently tossing all ingredients to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: Choose fresh mozzarella balls, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil for the best flavor profile.
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta prevents the salad from becoming mushy when chilled.
- Rinse pasta with cold water: This stops the cooking process and helps the pasta cool quickly for the salad.
- Let the salad rest: Refrigerating for at least 15 minutes allows flavors to meld and intensify.
- Don't overdress: Use balsamic glaze sparingly to enhance, not overpower, the fresh ingredients.
- Serve chilled: This pasta salad tastes best when served cold, making it perfect for picnics and summer gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
