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Caprese Pasta Salad

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๐Ÿ… Enjoy a fresh and flavorful Caprese Pasta Salad with creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
๐ŸŒฟ This vibrant salad is perfect as a light meal or a delicious side dish that’s easy to prepare and serve chilled.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

– 8 ounces cavatappi pasta

– 1/3 cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

– 2 tablespoons lemon juice

– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

– 1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese

– 1/4 cup shaved pecorino cheese

– 2 grated garlic cloves

– 1 teaspoon salt

– Freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes

– 1 cup halved mini mozzarella balls

– 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

– 1 heaping cup of torn fresh basil leaves

– Additional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1-Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of cavatappi pasta slightly beyond al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

2-Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water, then drizzle with olive oil and let it cool completely.

3-In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese, 2 grated garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

4-Combine the cooled pasta with the dressing, then add 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup halved mini mozzarella balls, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1 heaping cup of torn fresh basil leaves.

5-Gently toss the mixture and add 1/4 cup shaved pecorino cheese last for the perfect finish.

6-Garnish with additional basil leaves and chill before serving for enhanced flavors.

Last Step:

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Notes

๐Ÿ Cook pasta slightly beyond al dente for a better texture.
๐ŸŒฌ๏ธ Cool pasta before mixing to keep basil and onion fresh.
๐Ÿฅ— Store in an airtight container up to 2 days; add fresh basil just before serving if stored longer.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Tossing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg