Caprese Pasta Salad Fresh and Flavorful Meal Idea

Ingredients

• 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1 4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 4 cup pesto sauce
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0 Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously. Once al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, torn basil leaves, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Drizzle the pesto sauce and olive oil over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and ingredients are well coated.
4. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
5. For an extra touch, drizzle balsamic glaze over the pasta salad just before serving. This adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
6. Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.