Caprese Balsamic Pasta Salad

My Caprese Balsamic Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh flavor from juicy grape tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella pearls. It’s a foolproof, make-ahead-friendly recipe that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or easy summer dinners. It celebrates the classic Caprese trio – ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil – which are inherently delicious and refreshing, especially in warmer weather.

Author: It is a Keeper

Meal Type: Peanuts Free

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: EASY

Prep. Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 8 Servings

Calories: 512 kcal per serving

Ingredients

1 lb - Short pasta
1 cup - Fresh basil leaves
16 ounces - Mozzarella pearls
3 cups - Grape tomatoes
½ cup - parmesan
⅓ cup - Olive oil
1 tsp - garlic
3 tablespoons - Balsamic vinegar
¼ tsp - Salt

Instructions

First, cook the pasta in salted water to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
In a medium size bowl whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic and balsamic vinegar. Set aside.
Half or quarter the grape tomatoes into bite size pieces.
Chop the basil into small pieces.
Place the cooked pasta in an extra large mixing bowl.
Add in the chopped tomatoes and basil, stir gently.
Next add in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese and stir to evenly distribute.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Taste test and add salt to taste.

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