Description
A refreshing and creamy pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta (or rotini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the cherry tomatoes by sautéing them in olive oil and garlic for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Combine the cooked pasta, sautéed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil in a large mixing bowl.
- Dress the salad with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, and toss gently to combine.
- Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
- Serve the salad warm or cold as a delightful side dish or a main course.
Notes
Feel free to customize with protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp, or add other vegetables for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta salad, caprese, summer salad, vegetarian, quick recipes