A light Pasta Salad.
I love Caprese Salad. I like to turn the Salad into a Pasta Salad, especially if you are serving a crowd. The weather is starting to warm up here in Minnesota so I can hardly wait to grow a crop of Fresh Basil and Sweet Cherry Tomatoes. Nothing better than fresh from the garden! You might also like this Caprese Kabob recipe. https://www.hotdishhomemaker.com/caprese-kabobs/
CAPRESE PASTA SALAD
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz.) Box Mezze Penne Pasta
- 1 Pint Sweet Cherry Tomaotes, halved
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
- 1 Cup Fresh Basil, chiffonade loosley packed
- 1/2 Cup + 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Directions:
1. Prepare the Pasta according to package directions for firm Pasta. When Pasta is done, rinse under cold water then drain.
2. In a large bowl add the Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella Pearls, Fresh Basil and the cooled and drained Pasta.
3. Drizzle 1/2 Cup of the Olive Oil over the Pasta. Give your Pepper Mill a few good turns over the Pasta and sprinkle in the Parmesan Cheese.
4. Gently fold all the ingredients together.
5. Cover the Pasta and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. Just prior to serving, drizzle the last 1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil over the Pasta and stir well. Pasta absorbs sauces and liquids so by adding the last portion of Olive Oil just before serving, this will ensure your Pasta is not dry.
Recipe by: Hot Dish Homemaker