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As the sun shines brightly and the days grow warmer, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a refreshing dish that encapsulates the vibrant flavors of summer. Enter the Sun-kissed Caprese Pasta Salad—a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors that transforms the beloved Caprese salad into a hearty yet light pasta dish. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics in the park, or simply as a satisfying meal on a warm day, this pasta salad is both simple to prepare and bursting with taste.

Summer Caprese Pasta Salad

Celebrate the summer with the Sun-kissed Caprese Pasta Salad, a refreshing twist on the classic Italian salad! This vibrant dish combines tri-color rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all brought together by a zesty dressing. Ideal for picnics and gatherings, it's easy to make and bursting with flavor. Discover how to create this delightful, nutritious salad that showcases the essence of sunny days and fresh ingredients!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz. tri-color rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped

1/4 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Spread the pasta out on a tray to cool completely.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well emulsified and adjusted for flavor. Taste and add more seasoning if necessary.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, transfer the cooled pasta. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves to the bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top of the salad and use a spatula or tongs to gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.

        Add Nuts (Optional): If you chose to use them, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts or walnuts over the salad and give it another gentle toss to incorporate them without crushing the ingredients.

          Serve or Chill: The pasta salad can be enjoyed immediately for a fresh taste, or you can cover it and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This chilling time will enhance the flavors as they meld together. Just before serving, give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

            Garnish (Optional): For a decorative touch, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction can also elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 15 min | 6 servings