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Caprese Pasta Salad

Elaine Gordon
To elevate your Caprese Pasta Salad, start with some grilled shrimp skewers. The slightly charred shrimp, drizzled with lemon, adds a savory protein boost. It’s a perfect complement to the fresh, herby flavors of the pasta salad.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 338 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or one ball of fresh mozzarella torn into small pieces
  • 6 ounces 2 cups whole wheat fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 2 pints of sweet cherry or grape tomatoes halved
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ⅓ cup cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
  • A few sprigs of fresh basil roughly chopped
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar or regular balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the fusilli. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember, you want it firm enough to hold up against other ingredients.

Step 2: Drain and Cool

  • Once cooked, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps chill the pasta for the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and sea salt. Whisk until well mixed. This dressing is where all the magic happens!

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and toasted pine nuts. Drizzle the dressing over the top.

Step 5: Toss

  • Gently toss the salad until everything is evenly coated in that delicious dressing. Be careful not to break the mozzarella too much.

Step 6: Chill

  • Cover the salad with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to intermingle beautifully.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and basil make a real difference in flavor. Choose ripe tomatoes for sweetness.
  • Customize Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers or cucumbers for crunch.
  • Pasta Choice: Whole wheat pasta provides extra fiber, but any pasta works.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free version.
  • Storage: Keep the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 9gFat: 7.5gSaturated Fat: 1.1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 360mgFiber: 11gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1IUCalcium: 3mgIron: 14mg
Keyword Caprese Pasta Salad
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