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To make a tasty Caprese Pasta Salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - Pasta type and quantity: 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta - Vegetables and cheese: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Vegetables and cheese: 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - Vegetables and cheese: 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - Dressing components: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Dressing components: 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - Seasonings and optional additions: 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Seasonings and optional additions: Salt and pepper to taste - Seasonings and optional additions: Optional ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor. The rotini pasta holds the dressing well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, and mozzarella gives a creamy bite. Fresh basil brings a fragrant note. The olive oil and balsamic glaze create a rich dressing. Garlic powder adds depth, while salt and pepper balance all the tastes. If you like spice, the red pepper flakes give a nice kick. These fresh and vibrant ingredients make the salad a true delight. For the complete preparation steps, check out the Full Recipe. To start, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps season the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of rotini pasta. Stir it gently to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Taste a piece to check if it’s just right. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down. While the pasta cools, prepare the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of halved fresh mozzarella balls. Next, tear 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and add them to the bowl. These ingredients will give your salad flavor and color. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, toss in ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix well until it’s smooth. Pour this dressing over the pasta salad. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are coated. For the best taste, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish! For the full recipe, check out Caprese Pasta Salad. Using fresh herbs is key in this salad. Fresh basil gives a sweet, bright taste. Dried herbs can work, but they lack the same punch. Always choose high-quality olive oil. Good olive oil adds richness and depth. For the balsamic glaze, pick a thick, sweet one. It balances the flavors and makes the salad more exciting. Serve this salad chilled for the best taste. It works great for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners. Pair it with grilled chicken for protein. A crisp white wine complements the dish well. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up extra dressing. For a full meal, add a light dessert like sorbet. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta type for this recipe. Try gluten-free pasta if you need it. Whole grain pasta is another great choice. Both options will keep the dish tasty and healthy. For cheese, mozzarella is classic, but you can use burrata for a creamier bite. Feta cheese adds a nice salty kick too. Each cheese gives the salad a different flavor. Want to add some protein? Chicken or shrimp work well in this salad. You can even use tofu for a plant-based option. Each one will make your salad more filling. You can also add more vegetables for color and crunch. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. Cucumbers are refreshing, while spinach adds a nice green touch. All these extras make the salad more exciting and healthy. To store Caprese Pasta Salad, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the lid seals tightly. This keeps air out and helps the salad stay fresh. If you have a lot left, divide it into smaller portions. This lets you enjoy it later without losing flavor. For best results, store the salad in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days. Avoid adding dressing until you are ready to eat. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. If you freeze the salad, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. It’s best to eat it cold. If you need to warm it up, do so gently. Use a microwave and heat in short bursts. Stir it often to warm it evenly. For leftover salad, get creative! Serve it on a bed of greens. You could also use it to fill a sandwich or wrap. Add some grilled chicken for extra protein. Enjoy the fresh flavors in new ways! Yes, you can make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time. I suggest preparing it 2 to 4 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to mix well. If you make it too early, the fresh ingredients may lose some crunch. Keep it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Rotini works great for this salad. Its twists hold the dressing well. Other good options include penne or farfalle. These shapes also capture the bits of cheese and tomato. Each shape adds a different texture, making the salad fun to eat. Yes, Caprese Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep. To keep it fresh, store the pasta and dressing separately. Mix them together just before eating. This will keep the salad from getting soggy. Use airtight containers to save space and maintain freshness. This blog post covered how to make Caprese Pasta Salad. You learned the key ingredients, like rotini, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. We detailed cooking methods and helpful tips to enhance flavor. I shared variations and storage advice to keep your salad fresh. Remember, with simple swaps, you can personalize your dish. Enjoy your tasty creation at any meal. You can prep it ahead of time for convenience as well. Now, get cooking and make something delicious!

- Caprese Pasta Salad

Discover the delightful flavors of Caprese Pasta Salad with this easy recipe! Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, this fresh dish combines rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all dressed in a tangy olive oil and balsamic glaze. Ready in just 45 minutes, this salad will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this vibrant dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.

    Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

      Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella.

          Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

            Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

              Chill: Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

                Serve: Give the salad a final toss before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4