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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Sun-Dried Tomato Twist

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A fresh and zesty Caprese pasta salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and basil, perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella pearls, drained
  • 2 cups (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup (about 20 g) fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil plus more for soaking sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) balsamic vinegar, preferably aged
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts for crunch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tbsp salt per 4 quarts of water). Add 12 oz pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 9 to 11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. Place ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl. Add about 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and let soak for 10 minutes to soften and release flavor.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
  4. Add halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, soaked sun-dried tomatoes with their oil, and torn basil leaves to the cooled pasta. Pour the dressing over everything.
  5. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar if needed.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to let flavors marry. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Soak sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil to soften and enhance flavor. Rinse pasta after cooking to stop cooking and prevent it from absorbing too much dressing. Toss gently to avoid bruising mozzarella and basil. Refrigerate for best flavor but can be served immediately if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, summer salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-sun-dried-tomato-twist/