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To make a great Caprese pasta salad, you need a few essential ingredients: - 8 oz fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn These ingredients bring freshness and flavor to the dish. Fusilli pasta holds the dressing well. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst. Fresh mozzarella provides creamy richness, while basil gives a lovely aroma. Now, let’s talk about the dressing. This is what makes the salad shine! You will need: - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 clove garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste The olive oil adds smoothness, while balsamic glaze gives a tangy kick. Garlic adds depth, and salt and pepper enhance the flavors. If you want to mix things up, consider these options: - Gluten-free pasta options like brown rice or quinoa pasta - Vegan cheese alternatives such as cashew cheese or tofu Using gluten-free pasta keeps the dish accessible for everyone. Vegan cheese allows more people to enjoy this salad without dairy. To start, boil a pot of water. Make sure to add a good amount of salt. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of fusilli pasta. Cook it until al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. It should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of halved fresh mozzarella balls, and 1 cup of torn fresh basil leaves. Gently mix the ingredients together. Make sure everything is evenly mixed. This helps the flavors blend well. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is combined. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. To make the flavors pop, let the Caprese pasta salad rest for 10 minutes. This time allows all the flavors to mingle and develop. You can taste the salad after it rests and adjust the seasoning. If it needs more salt or pepper, just sprinkle a little in. Always taste as you go! Serving this salad well makes it even more enjoyable. Try using a large bowl or individual plates. This adds a nice touch. For garnish, add extra basil leaves on top. A drizzle of balsamic glaze gives a lovely finish. It makes the dish look fresh and inviting. Prep your ingredients ahead of time. You can chop the tomatoes, basil, and cheese the day before. This makes the salad quick to assemble. For the pasta, cool it fast by rinsing it under cold water. This way, you save time and keep the pasta from cooking more. {{image_2}} You can enjoy a gluten-free version of Caprese pasta salad! Look for gluten-free fusilli or penne pasta. These options are easy to find in most stores. Brands like Banza and Jovial make great gluten-free pasta. Cook it just like regular pasta. Rinse it well after cooking to cool it down quickly. If you want a vegan option, skip the mozzarella cheese. Instead, use vegan cheese made from nuts or tofu. You can also add avocado for creaminess. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty without the dairy. You can boost the protein in your salad. Grilled chicken or chickpeas are excellent choices. They make the dish more filling. You might also try adding different herbs for extra flavor. Oregano and parsley work well with the other ingredients. These small changes can really brighten your salad. For the full recipe, check out the Caprese Pasta Salad section! To keep your Caprese pasta salad fresh, choose airtight containers. Glass containers work well, as do plastic ones. Make sure they seal tightly to keep out air. This helps maintain the salad's flavor and texture. You can store Caprese pasta salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the ingredients may lose their crunch and freshness. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. Caprese pasta salad is best enjoyed cold. If you want to warm it up, do so gently. Place it in a pan on low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid high heat, as it can make the cheese melt too much. You can also add a splash of olive oil to freshen it up. Enjoy your flavorful delight! Caprese Pasta Salad lasts for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. The flavors will blend well over time, but the salad may not stay crisp. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time. I suggest preparing it a day in advance. This allows the flavors to mix. Just keep it covered in the fridge. If you notice the pasta absorbing the dressing, add a bit more olive oil before serving. Caprese Pasta Salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread. For a light touch, add a side of mixed greens. These options complement the fresh flavors of the salad. Caprese pasta salad blends fresh ingredients for a delightful dish. You boil fusilli, mix it with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, then add a simple dressing. There are gluten-free and vegan options to suit everyone. Store it right, and it lasts for days. You can also prep in advance for convenience. This recipe’s versatility allows many variations, making it perfect for any meal. Experiment with flavors and enjoy a tasty salad that always impresses.

Caprese Pasta Salad

Enjoy the fresh flavors of summer with this delicious Caprese Pasta Salad! Made with fusilli pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes. Perfect for picnics or quick weeknight dinners, it's a crowd-pleaser everyone will love. Click to explore this flavorful dish and make your next meal a hit!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes.

    Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.

        In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

          Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

            Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if desired.

              Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual portions and garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an appealing touch.