Caprese Pasta Salad

$- 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste To make Caprese Pasta Salad, start with these fresh ingredients. The rotini or fusilli pasta provides a nice twist. You can choose either type, but I love how rotini holds the dressing well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Halving them makes them easy to eat. Fresh mozzarella balls bring creamy goodness. I always use bocconcini, as they are bite-sized and perfect for salads. Torn basil leaves add a lovely aroma and fresh taste. They really tie everything together. The dressing is simple but rich. Extra-virgin olive oil gives depth. Balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness. Garlic powder enhances flavor without being overpowering. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust these to your liking for the best result. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to make a vibrant, flavorful dish that everyone will love! To cook rotini or fusilli pasta, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Then, add the pasta and stir once. Cook according to the package, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means firm to the bite. To check, taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops cooking and cools it down. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. I find this part fun! Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix gently. This ensures even distribution of all ingredients. You want every bite to be full of flavor. Don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure all ingredients blend well. Taste the dressing to ensure it suits your taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed. A little more salt or balsamic glaze can brighten the flavor. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Gently toss everything together. This helps the dressing coat the pasta and vegetables evenly. After mixing, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, making every bite even better! Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh tomatoes give sweet bursts of flavor. Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for the best taste. Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture. Look for small mozzarella balls called bocconcini. Fresh basil leaves add a nice herbal note. You can tear them for more flavor. For added kick, try mixing in garlic powder or red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also enhance taste. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. This will lift the salad and make it even more refreshing. Presentation matters. Serve your Caprese Pasta Salad in a big bowl. Add a few whole basil leaves on top for color. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze over the salad for a gourmet touch. This makes the dish look special and inviting. Pair this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a full meal. A crusty baguette works well as a side. You can also serve it with a light soup for a cozy dinner. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor! {{image_2}} For those with dietary needs, I have great options. You can use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or quinoa pasta. These options work well and taste great. If you're vegan, try using nut-based cheese, like cashew cheese or almond cheese. These substitutes keep the salad creamy and delicious. You can make your Caprese Pasta Salad even more exciting. Adding ripe avocado gives a creamy texture. Diced bell peppers add crunch and color. You can also try different dressings. A lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty twist. A pesto dressing brings rich, herby flavors. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite mix! To keep your Caprese Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in the flavors. If you have a lot, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab later. In the fridge, the salad lasts about three days. After that, the ingredients may start to lose their crispness. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. You can serve Caprese Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. I prefer it cold because it feels refreshing. If you want to warm it up, do so gently. Heat it on low and stir to avoid cooking the ingredients. To refresh the salad before serving, add a splash of olive oil or balsamic glaze. This brings back the flavors. Toss everything together to ensure it is evenly coated. Enjoy the burst of flavors! Yes, you can make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time. I suggest preparing it a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend well. However, if you plan to store it, keep the dressing separate until just before serving. Mixing the dressing too early can make the pasta soggy. If you don't have balsamic glaze, try balsamic vinegar. It will give a nice tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can use red wine vinegar mixed with a little honey or maple syrup for sweetness. This will add a similar taste without the glaze. Caprese Pasta Salad is not gluten-free if you use regular pasta. To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. These options work well and keep the salad tasty and light. I recommend using rotini or fusilli pasta. These shapes hold onto the sauce and ingredients nicely. Their twists and turns catch the dressing and flavors perfectly. You can also use penne or farfalle if you prefer. Yes, you can add protein to your Caprese Pasta Salad. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. You can also try chickpeas or diced tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding protein makes the salad more filling and satisfying. This Caprese Pasta Salad is simple and full of flavor. We covered the key ingredients, how to cook your pasta, and tips for mixing it all together. Choosing fresh ingredients makes a big difference. You can adjust it to fit your tastes, whether you want gluten-free or vegan options. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Now, you have everything you need to create a fun and tasty dish that you can share and enjoy. Dive in and make it your own!$

Discover the refreshing taste of Caprese Pasta Salad Delight! This easy recipe combines rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a stunning side dish, this salad is ready in just 20 minutes. Click through for step-by-step instructions and tips to impress your guests with this vibrant dish that highlights fresh flavors!

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Ingredients

8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the rotini or fusilli pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta down.

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

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

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well coated.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or balsamic glaze as desired.

Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl with additional basil leaves for garnish and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for an eye-catching finish.