Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad

$To make the Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups uncooked fusilli pasta - 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn - 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Freshly cracked black pepper for garnish These ingredients come together to create a fresh and tasty salad. The fusilli pasta adds a fun twist, while the cherry tomatoes give a burst of flavor. Fresh mozzarella pearls make every bite creamy, and the torn basil adds a nice touch of earthiness. The balsamic glaze is the star of this dish, tying everything together with sweet and tangy notes. I love how easy it is to find these ingredients, so you can whip this salad up any time. If you want to, you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. For example, you can use a different pasta shape or add your favorite vegetables. The options are endless, and that's what makes this salad so fun to make! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, boil a large pot of water. Make sure to add salt; this helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 2 cups of uncooked fusilli pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions for about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm when you bite into it. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This also cools the pasta quickly. In a large mixing bowl, add your cooled pasta. Next, mix in 1 ½ cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Then, add 1 cup of fresh mozzarella pearls. Finally, toss in 1 cup of roughly torn basil leaves. These ingredients blend well together and create bright flavors. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of balsamic glaze, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until everything is well blended. The dressing adds a rich taste to the salad. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Take a large spoon or spatula and gently toss all the ingredients. Make sure everything is coated in the dressing. After mixing, you should let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to mix nicely. When ready to serve, you can dish out the salad chilled or at room temperature. If you like, add freshly cracked black pepper on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your fresh Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad! - Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. - After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down quickly. - Taste the dressing before serving. Adjust seasoning to fit your taste. You can add more salt, pepper, or balsamic glaze as needed. - For a tasty finish, garnish your salad with freshly cracked black pepper. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Pro Tips Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality cherry tomatoes and mozzarella for the best flavor and texture in your pasta salad. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs like parsley or oregano to add more depth to the flavor profile of your salad. Chill Before Serving: For enhanced flavors, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the dressing to fully integrate with the pasta and veggies. Experiment with Dressings: Try adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for an extra zing. {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta type for this dish. Instead of fusilli, try penne or rotini. These shapes hold the dressing well and add unique textures. You can also go for a gluten-free pasta if needed. For a vegan option, replace fresh mozzarella pearls with dairy-free mozzarella. This keeps the creamy texture while making the dish plant-based. You can find many brands that offer tasty dairy-free cheese. To boost flavor, consider adding olives or roasted vegetables. Olives give a nice briny bite, while roasted veggies add a sweet, smoky touch. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even artichokes work well here. If you want protein, include chicken or chickpeas. Grilled chicken adds heartiness, while chickpeas offer plant-based protein. Both options make the salad more filling and satisfying. Mix and match these ideas to find your favorite version. Each twist brings something new to the table, making this dish fun and versatile! To store leftovers, place the pasta salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Make sure to cool the salad to room temperature before sealing it. Do not leave it out for more than two hours. In the fridge, Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad lasts about three to five days. After that, it may lose its taste and texture. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in color. You can freeze pasta salad, but it may change in texture. If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. Let it cool completely before freezing. To thaw, put it in the fridge overnight. You may need to add more dressing after thawing to restore flavor. Yes, you can prepare this pasta salad ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge. To enhance the flavors, mix it and let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you want the best taste, make it a few hours in advance. Just remember to keep it covered to avoid drying out. If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can use several options. A simple mix of balsamic vinegar and honey can work well. You may also try red wine vinegar with a touch of sugar. If you prefer a store-bought option, look for a store-bought Italian dressing for a different taste. Yes, it is safe to eat leftover pasta salad. Just follow some simple storage rules. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for three to four days. Before eating, check for any off smells or changes in texture. If it looks good, enjoy it! This pasta salad is fresh, easy, and full of flavor. You learned how to cook fusilli, mix in ingredients, and prepare a tasty dressing. Don’t forget to let it chill for the best taste. Adjusting toppings lets you personalize it. Storing it right keeps leftovers safe and tasty. With simple tweaks, you can explore various flavors and options. Enjoy making this dish for meals or gatherings. You’ll impress with each bite.$

A refreshing pasta salad featuring fusilli, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Salad

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt
to taste pepper
optional freshly cracked black pepper for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the fusilli pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and roughly torn basil leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well blended and the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly coated in the dressing.
After mixing, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or balsamic glaze according to your personal preference.
For the best flavor experience, let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
When ready to serve, dish out the salad chilled or at room temperature. For an added flavor kick, garnish with freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

Notes

Let the salad marinate for best flavor.

Keyword balsamic, caprese, pasta salad