Caprese Pasta Salad Colorful and Flavorful Dish

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (fusilli or penne)
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved or quartered
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0 to taste salt and pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
2. Add the torn basil leaves to the bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you're adding red pepper flakes for a spicy touch, include it here.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything gently until well coated. Make sure not to overmix to prevent the mozzarella from breaking apart.
5. Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.