Juicy grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh and perfect aroma of basil, drizzled with some salt, pepper, and balsamic. Whose mouth is salivating right now?! Mine sure is! This recipe is the perfect amount of straight up delicious and super easy to make! You can serve it as a side dish, main dish, appetizer, or even just a mid-afternoon snack! Adding some pasta to it makes for a nice and hearty overall meal that will leave you perfectly full and satisfied!
I am going to show you how to use most of the same ingredients, but made two different ways. Today's will be the more heartier and fuller of the two, caprese pasta salad. Both are stupid simple to make and anyone can do it! Enjoy!
What you will need:: (for pasta)
- 2 cups dried pasta ( I used shells), cooked as directed on package
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered or halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella(1 ball), cubed
- 1 cup fresh basil, sliced into thin ribbons
- kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Cook your desired pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Now add the cold pasta to a bowl along with your chopped tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil ribbons.
Now you can add your dressing; I made a Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, listed below!
What you will need:: (balsamic vinaigrette dressing)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove fresh garlic, diced really thin
In a small bowl, mix your super tiny and diced garlic and whisk in your balsamic. Continue to whisk slowly while adding your tablespoons of olive oil in a steady stream.
You can now drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette dressing onto your caprese pasta mix along with seasoning your desired taste of salt and pepper. Mix well and enjoy!
Check back later this week to find out how to make another caprese item, and check back tomorrow for Mani Monday!
Bon appetit!
ps, don't forget to =)
