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- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional) I love using rotini or penne pasta for this salad. The shapes hold the dressing well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Fresh mozzarella pearls are creamy and cute. Torn basil brings a fresh aroma. Extra virgin olive oil gives rich flavor. Balsamic glaze adds a tangy touch. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. Italian seasoning is optional but adds depth. The main flavors in this salad come from fresh ingredients. The tomatoes burst with sweetness. Mozzarella adds a creamy texture. Basil provides a fragrant herbal note. Olive oil gives richness, while balsamic glaze brings tanginess. Together, these ingredients create a bright and refreshing dish. The combination makes this salad perfect for summer. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, gather all your ingredients. This keeps everything neat. You need rotini or penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Also, have olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning ready. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the water. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta. Rinse it under cold water. This cools it down and stops the cooking. In a large mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and torn basil leaves. Next, add the cooled pasta to this mix. Gently toss everything together. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper. If you like, add Italian seasoning. Toss again until all is well mixed. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Enjoy this Easy Caprese Pasta Salad for a perfect summer dish. You can check the Full Recipe for more details. To elevate your Easy Caprese Pasta Salad, focus on fresh ingredients. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness. They add a burst of flavor. Fresh mozzarella pearls provide creaminess. Think of adding garlic for a punch. A clove of minced garlic works wonders. Fresh basil gives a fragrant herbal note. Consider using flavored olive oil, like garlic or lemon. These small tweaks can boost your dish's taste. Serve your pasta salad in a large, colorful bowl. This makes the dish pop. You can garnish it with extra basil leaves. A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top looks great. This adds a shiny finish and extra flavor. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. It's also perfect alongside crusty bread. Let your guests serve themselves for a casual feel. Watch out for overcooking the pasta. It should be al dente, not mushy. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking. Avoid skimping on salt. It enhances the flavors of all ingredients. Don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Lastly, let your salad sit for a bit. This helps the flavors blend. Following these tips will make your dish shine! {{image_2}} You can make your Easy Caprese Pasta Salad even heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sliced salami work well. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or diced tofu. These add-ins boost flavor and make the salad more filling. Simply chop or slice the protein and toss it in with the other ingredients. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that taste just like regular pasta. Look for rice or quinoa-based noodles for a good texture. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You still enjoy all the fresh flavors of this delightful dish. You can swap ingredients based on what's in season. In summer, add diced cucumbers or bell peppers for a crunchy bite. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash or arugula for a new twist. Seasonal swaps keep your salad fresh and exciting. It also helps you use what is local and fresh. After you enjoy your Easy Caprese Pasta Salad, you may have some left. Store the leftovers in an airtight container. This will keep the salad fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss it. To keep your salad fresh, add ingredients just before serving. This means not mixing in the dressing until you are ready to eat. If you do this, the pasta will stay firm. The tomatoes will not get mushy, and the basil will stay bright. If you want to prep ahead, keep the pasta and veggies separate from the dressing. Reheating pasta salad is not usually needed. If you want to warm it up, do it gently. Use a microwave for short bursts. Heat for 15-20 seconds at a time. Check often to avoid hot spots. You can also serve it cold, which is how I love it best. A cold salad is very refreshing in summer. If you want to add some warmth, a quick drizzle of olive oil before serving can help. If you're ready to make this tasty dish, check out the Full Recipe! For this salad, I prefer rotini or penne pasta. These shapes hold the sauce well. You can also use farfalle or fusilli if you like. Just make sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Overcooked pasta can get mushy in the salad. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes great when chilled. If you prepare it a few hours before serving, the flavors blend well. Just don't add the dressing too early. Wait until right before serving to keep the pasta fresh and tasty. This way, it stays crispy and bright. This salad is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, skip the mozzarella cheese. You can add avocado or use vegan cheese instead. Cherry tomatoes and fresh basil bring lots of flavor. These ingredients make the salad colorful and fun. You will still enjoy a tasty meal without the dairy! This blog post covered all you need to make a great pasta dish. We looked at ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and flavor tips. Remember to try different variations and store leftovers properly. By doing this, you can enjoy your meal even more. You now have the tools to create a tasty pasta dish that fits your needs. Experiment, enjoy, and share your creations with others. Cooking should be fun and rewarding!

Easy Caprese Pasta Salad

Discover the delightful flavors of an Easy Caprese Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! This quick and refreshing dish features rotini or penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. It takes just 25 minutes to prepare and is ideal for gatherings. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal today!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces rotini or penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

    Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will also stop the cooking process.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and torn basil leaves.

        Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella, gently tossing to combine.

          Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

            Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more olive oil, salt, or balsamic glaze depending on your preference.

              Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, beautiful bowl or plate, garnished with additional basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a finishing touch.