Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring al dente pasta tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and aromatic fresh basil. Finished with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze dressing, this pasta salad stays perfectly structured, making it the ideal centerpiece for outdoor picnics, backyard gatherings, or a sophisticated and quick weekday lunch that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
1 pound fusilli or farfalle pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat.
Cook pasta until al dente following package directions.
Drain the pasta thoroughly using a fine-mesh colander.
Rinse the pasta under cold water for thirty seconds to stop the cooking process.
Whisk the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and balsamic glaze in a small bowl until emulsified.
Combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls in a large serving bowl.
Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat.
Fold in the torn basil leaves just before serving.
Notes
Rinsing the pasta with cold water is essential to prevent the mozzarella from melting. Hand-tear the basil to avoid bruising and browning the edges. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Trends Recipes
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg