Caprese Pasta Salad

$- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped The star of this dish is the pasta. I always choose fusilli or penne for a great texture. The pasta holds the sauce well. Cherry tomatoes add a fresh, juicy bite. Fresh mozzarella brings a creamy taste that melts in your mouth. Basil adds a bright, aromatic flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes give a rich, tangy kick. - 1/4 cup balsamic glaze - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste This dressing is simple yet full of flavor. The balsamic glaze adds sweetness and tang. Extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness. Garlic powder gives a subtle kick without overpowering the dish. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. - 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (for added crunch) Pine nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Toast them for a deeper taste. You can skip them if you want a lighter salad. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add 8 oz of pasta, like fusilli or penne. Cook it until it’s al dente, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Taste a piece to check if it is firm yet tender. Once ready, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of halved fresh mozzarella balls, and 1 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves. Next, add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the mixture. These ingredients bring bright colors and fresh flavors to your salad. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Pour this dressing over the salad and toss gently. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. To add crunch, incorporate 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts. Give it another gentle toss to mix everything well. Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or balsamic glaze to suit your taste. Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To cook pasta just right, start with plenty of water. Add a pinch of salt to the boil. This salt helps flavor the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite it. If you overcook it, the pasta becomes mushy. After draining the pasta, rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process. It also cools the pasta, which helps it mix better with the fresh ingredients. Use a good balsamic glaze for the best taste. I recommend brands like Colavita or Pompeian. They add a sweet tang that brightens the salad. Fresh herbs always beat dried ones. Fresh basil gives a lovely aroma and taste. If you use dried herbs, use less, as they are stronger. This salad shines when served chilled. You can also serve it at room temperature. Both ways taste great, so choose what you like. For a pretty presentation, garnish with extra basil leaves. Drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze on top for a stunning finish. This makes the salad look as good as it tastes! {{image_2}} You can easily change the pasta type in this dish. Try using bowtie or whole wheat pasta for a new twist. Different shapes add fun to your plate. For cheese, consider using feta or goat cheese. They bring a tangy flavor that pairs well with the tomatoes. This change can make your Caprese pasta salad unique. If you want more protein, think about adding chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Grilled chicken adds a nice smokiness while shrimp gives a light, fresh taste. Chickpeas are great for a vegetarian option. They also add fiber and make the salad more filling. Seasonal vegetables can elevate your salad. In summer, try adding zucchini or bell peppers for crunch. In fall, roasted butternut squash can add sweetness. You can also mix in fresh herbs based on the season. Try parsley in spring or sage in autumn. Each herb brings its own flavor, making your dish fun and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the Caprese Pasta Salad with a Twist. To keep your Caprese pasta salad fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavors may fade, and the pasta can get mushy. Pasta salad tastes best cold or at room temperature. If you want to reheat it, use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you avoid overcooking the pasta. If the salad seems dry, add a splash of olive oil before heating. You can make this salad a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge after mixing. The flavors blend better overnight. If you add pine nuts, wait until just before serving. This keeps them crunchy. For the best taste, bring it to room temp before serving. You can find the full recipe for Caprese pasta salad [here](#). You can store Caprese Pasta Salad in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The flavors will blend more over time, making it taste even better. If you notice any excess liquid, just drain it before serving. Yes, you can make this salad the night before. Just follow the recipe and store it in the fridge. This will help the flavors mix nicely. Before serving, give it a quick toss to refresh the ingredients and ensure even coating with the dressing. If you don’t like basil, you can use parsley, arugula, or spinach. These herbs and greens offer fresh flavors. Each one brings a different taste. For a unique twist, try using fresh mint or cilantro to surprise your taste buds. To make this recipe gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many great options, like quinoa or brown rice pasta. Just cook them according to the package instructions. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious bowl of Caprese Pasta Salad. For the best texture, look for pasta labeled "gluten-free." For the full recipe, check out the Caprese Pasta Salad with a Twist . This Caprese Pasta Salad is easy to make and full of flavor. You learned about the main ingredients, tasty dressing, and optional add-ons. I shared simple steps to cook and mix the salad, with tips for perfect pasta. You can customize it with different ingredients or proteins, making it your own. Remember, this dish works great chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy trying this recipe at your next meal or get-together. It’s sure to impress everyone!$

Elevate your summer meals with this delicious Caprese Pasta Salad with a Twist! Featuring fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, this salad is drizzled with a flavorful balsamic glaze and topped with toasted pine nuts for extra crunch. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this recipe is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Click through to discover how to make this refreshing dish today!

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Ingredients

8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup balsamic glaze

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (for added crunch)

Instructions

Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, chopped basil, and sun-dried tomatoes.

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

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Add the toasted pine nuts to the pasta salad and give it another gentle toss to mix everything well.

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

Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve chilled or at room temperature in a large salad bowl. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an eye-catching finish.