Description
A vibrant blend of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of pasta (cooked and cooled, penne or rotini works best)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado (diced, optional)
- 1/2 cup black olives (optional)
- Grilled chicken or turkey (optional)
- Spinach or arugula (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by cooking your pasta according to package directions. Use a pot of boiling salted water for best flavor; drain and rinse with cold water.
- While your pasta is cooling, prepare your fresh ingredients. Wash cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Cut tomatoes in half.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Incorporate any optional ingredients.
- To create the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add honey if desired.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to meld flavors. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve in a large bowl, garnished with additional basil and drizzle balsamic reduction on top.
Notes
This salad is best served cold and can be customized with various optional ingredients based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg