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Caprese Pasta Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Author Si Foster, A Bountiful Kitchen

Ingredients

  • salad:
  • 1 lb fresh pasta preferably Ravioli or Tortellini*, cooked al dente
  • 1 ⁄4 cup olive oil + more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons dry italian Seasoning*
  • 1-2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1 lb fresh mozzarella cut into chunks
  • 1 lb grape or cherry tomatoes or chunked tomatoes of any type whole or halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves sliced
  • Sliced red onion optional
  • Balsamic dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic red or white
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard optional
  • 1 clove garlic minced or crushed
  • 1 ⁄2 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a jar or blender. Dressing may be stored in refrigerator. Remove at least an hour before using.
  2. Cook pasta al dente, according to package directions. Pour off water and toss pasta in a large bowl with 1⁄4 cup olive oil and dry Italian herbs, salt and pepper. Set aside and let cool completely. This may be done up to three days before serving salad.
  3. When ready to serve, Place pasta on serving platter or on individual plates.
  4. Add cut mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves and lay on top of pasta on plates or platter.
  5. Drizzle with Balsamic dressing and additional olive oil.
  6. Sprinkle with fresh ground pepper and sea salt.
  7. Do not stir!
  8. Serve immediately, or refrigerate on platter until ready to serve*

Recipe Notes

-This salad is best when made with a fresh cheese filled pasta found in the refrigerator section of grocery, such as ravioli or tortellini. You may also use bowtie or another shaped pasta that is not filled. When using a pasta that is not filled with cheese, I purchase dry pasta. If making for a large crowd, I always use dry pasta to keep cost down!
-Good Seasons dry dressing mix is sold in the salad dressing area of grocery store. It is in small packets. Measure out two tablespoons and sprinkle over pasta after cooked.
-If you are making this salad ahead-
-Arrange pasta on platter or in bowl after tossing with dry dressing mix and olive oil. -Or you may place the pasta mixture in a Ziplock bag and store in fridge until ready to assemble.
-Add tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and cut basil just before serving.
-Drizzle with dressing, make sure to shake the dressing jar before pouring on salad!
-Top with additional salt and pepper and another drizzle of olive oil!