Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad combines the freshness of tomatoes and basil with the richness of mozzarella cheese, all tossed in a light balsamic dressing. This dish is a delightful and colorful addition to any vegetarian dinner table.

Ingredients

• Pasta (fusilli or penne) - 200 grams
• Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams, halved
• Fresh mozzarella balls - 150 grams, halved
• Fresh basil leaves - 1 cup, loosely packed
• Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Provides a good source of calcium and protein from mozzarella cheese.

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