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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Mozzarella Dressing

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A fresh and creamy Caprese pasta salad featuring juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a luscious homemade mozzarella dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed and torn
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved
  • 6 oz fresh mozzarella, roughly chopped (for dressing)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: pinch of red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  3. In a food processor, combine 6 oz fresh mozzarella, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon honey. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 8 oz mozzarella balls, and 1 cup torn basil leaves.
  5. Pour the creamy mozzarella dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly using a folding motion to avoid breaking the tomatoes or mozzarella balls.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the ingredients meld. You can prepare it up to 4 hours ahead.
  7. Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Drain pasta well to avoid watery salad. Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for best texture and flavor. Blend dressing thoroughly for creamy texture. Chill salad before serving for best flavor. Loosen dressing with water or lemon juice if too thick after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, fresh mozzarella dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, creamy dressing, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-mozzarella-dressing/