Simple Caprese Pasta Salad

$For a delicious Caprese pasta salad, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 oz. pasta (fusilli or penne works well) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 avocado, diced If you need swaps, try these ideas: - Use any short pasta like rotini or farfalle instead of fusilli or penne. - Swap cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes. - Replace mozzarella balls with cubed feta cheese for a different flavor. - Use a mix of dried herbs if fresh basil is not available. - For a creamy touch, add a dollop of ricotta cheese instead of avocado. To make this salad, you’ll need a few helpful items: - A large pot for boiling the pasta - A colander for draining the pasta - A large mixing bowl to combine all ingredients - A sharp knife for chopping vegetables - A measuring cup and spoons for precise amounts - A spatula or spoon for mixing everything together These tools make the process easy and fun! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of pasta. Fusilli or penne works best. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This step cools the pasta and keeps it firm. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of halved mozzarella balls. Next, add 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. The basil brings a bright flavor. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the top. Now, season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. If you choose to add avocado, dice it and fold it in gently. Be careful not to mash it. Toss all the ingredients until they are well mixed and coated with the dressing. Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish! When picking tomatoes, look for bright colors and firm skins. Choose cherry tomatoes that feel heavy for their size. Avoid any that have soft spots or wrinkles. These signs show freshness and flavor. Ripe tomatoes add sweetness to your salad. You can also try heirloom tomatoes for more flavor. They come in unique shapes and colors. Their taste can enhance your dish. Fresh basil is a key part of this salad. It adds a bright taste that makes the dish pop. When using basil, smell the leaves first. They should smell sweet and fragrant. Look for vibrant green leaves without brown spots. If you can, chop the basil just before mixing. This keeps its flavor fresh and strong. Dried basil just won't give you the same taste. While the basic dressing is tasty, you can get creative. Try adding lemon juice for a zesty kick. You can also mix in some minced garlic for extra flavor. If you want a creamier dressing, add a bit of Greek yogurt. For a spicy touch, try a dash of red pepper flakes. Experiment until you find your favorite blend. This adds a personal touch to your Caprese pasta salad. {{image_2}} You can make this Caprese pasta salad heartier by adding protein. Chicken and shrimp are great options. For chicken, use grilled or rotisserie chicken. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in. For shrimp, cook them in a pan until they turn pink and opaque. Then, toss them with the salad. Both proteins add flavor and keep you full. This salad is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can make it even more robust. Try adding chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. They give a nice texture and boost the nutrition. You could also use tofu for a plant-based option. Just press and cube the tofu before adding it to the mix. It will soak up the dressing well. Seasonal ingredients can elevate your Caprese pasta salad. In spring, add asparagus or peas for a fresh crunch. In summer, use ripe peaches or nectarines for a sweet touch. In fall, roasted butternut squash adds warmth and color. You can also mix in seasonal herbs like mint or dill to change the flavor profile. Each season brings new tastes to enjoy! After you enjoy your Caprese pasta salad, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. Make sure to refrigerate it right away. The salad stays good for about three days in the fridge. To keep your salad fresh, avoid mixing in dressing until you’re ready to eat. This helps the pasta and veggies stay crisp. If you add avocado, use it right away to prevent browning. If you have to store it with avocado, squeeze some lemon juice on it for extra protection. Though I recommend eating this salad fresh, you can freeze it if needed. However, pasta can get mushy when thawed. If you choose to freeze it, store the pasta and salad components separately. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I often prepare it a few hours before serving. This lets the flavors mix well. Just store it in the fridge until you're ready to eat. The pasta stays fresh and tasty. I suggest using fusilli or penne. These shapes hold the dressing and mix well with the other ingredients. They also make it easy to grab a bite. You can use any pasta you like, but these two work best for this salad. While you can use dried herbs, fresh basil gives the best flavor. Fresh basil adds a bright taste that dried herbs can't match. If you must use dried, use less since it is stronger. A little goes a long way. This blog post explored the key ingredients and tools for making a pasta salad. We discussed cooking pasta, mixing fresh ingredients, and serving tips. I shared tips for choosing tomatoes and using fresh basil. You can customize your salad with protein or vegetarian options. Proper storage and freezing methods help keep leftovers fresh. Remember, you can prepare the salad ahead of time. Enjoy your delicious pasta salad that fits your taste and needs!$

Elevate your summer meals with this refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad Delight! This easy recipe combines pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor. Perfect as a side dish or main course, it's quick to prepare and perfect for gatherings.

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Ingredients

8 oz. pasta (fusilli or penne works well)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1 avocado, diced

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re adding avocado, gently fold it in now to avoid mashing.

Toss all ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4-6