CAPRESE PASTA SALAD /INSALATA PASTA CAPRESE I

CAPRESE  PASTA SALAD

One of the most delicious dishes found in all of Italian cuisine is Caprese Salad or Insalata Caprese. This dish is made with some of the most notable ingredients in Italian cuisine including tomatoes, olive oil, fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. An Italian salad - a classic Caprese Pasta Salad, also known as Insalata Caprese, is  often served in the summer Season. It's made with diced tomatoes sandwiched between slices of fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It's light, refreshing, and totally delicious.

INGREDIENTS

  To marinade:

• Olive oil - 2/3 cup
• Red wine vinegar - 4-5 tbsp
• Capers, drained and roughly chopped - 2 tbsp
• Paste made of 3 cloves, garlic
• Chopped fresh basil - 1/3 cup
• Chopped fresh chives - 1/4 cup
• Chopped fresh parsley - 1/4 cup
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Black pepper - 1/4 tsp

PASTA SALAD :

• Cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups
• Take fresh mozzarella balls ( cut them into 1/2" cubes)
• Dried Pasta (or Shortcut Pasta) -350 gm
• Pine nuts, lightly toasted (optional) - 3 tbsp

INSTRUCTIONS

Take a large mixing bowl, add all dressing ingredients and whisk it until well combined. Now Place 2 tbsp dressing in an airtight container and keep aside.

Add all cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella to a mixing bowl with dressing and mix well. Let sit and marinate it for about 30 minutes.

While cheese and tomatoes are marinating, boil pasta according to package directions. Take out  the pasta and mix with olive oil. Let it cool down a bit.

Add pasta to the mixing bowl and toss to mix. Transfer to serving container, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 days. Just before serving, toss pasta salad with reserved dressing and serve.

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