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Easy Mini Caprese Pasta Salad with Mozzarella Pearls

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This Easy Mini Caprese Pasta Salad with Mozzarella Pearls is a quick and fresh summer dish featuring tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil in a tangy balsamic dressing. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (about 2 cups) dry short pasta (rotini or fusilli recommended)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add about a tablespoon of salt to the water.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Start checking a minute early.
  3. While the pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Place the halved cherry tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Pour about half of the dressing over them and toss gently. Let them sit while the pasta finishes cooking.
  5. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cool water. Shake the colander well to remove excess water.
  6. Add the warm pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes. Pour the remaining dressing over everything and toss gently to combine.
  7. Let the pasta cool for about 5 minutes until warm but not hot.
  8. Add the mozzarella pearls and sliced basil. Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, balsamic, or pepper if needed.
  10. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. If serving chilled, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the pasta cool for 5 minutes before adding mozzarella to prevent it from melting. For best results, use fresh basil and halve the tomatoes to release juice. If making ahead, add fresh basil just before serving. Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the salad if it becomes dry after refrigeration.

Nutrition

Keywords: caprese pasta salad, mini caprese, mozzarella pearls, easy pasta salad, summer pasta salad, cold pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-mini-caprese-pasta-salad-with-mozzarella-pearls/