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As the heat of summer beckons, it’s time to embrace the vibrant flavors and colors of the season. Summer cooking is all about simplicity and freshness, allowing the natural ingredients to shine while creating dishes that are both satisfying and refreshing. One dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of summer is the Summer Delight Caprese Pasta Salad. This delightful recipe is an ideal choice for warm-weather gatherings, barbecues, picnics, or even light lunches. With its combination of hearty pasta, succulent tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, this dish offers a symphony of flavors and textures that can elevate any meal.

Caprese Pasta Salad with Mozzarella Pearls

Celebrate summer with the refreshing Summer Delight Caprese Pasta Salad! This vibrant dish brings together hearty rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches, this colorful salad is easy to make and showcases the best flavors of the season. Elevate your warm-weather gatherings with this delightful and satisfying recipe that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of your choice)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup pine nuts (optional, for added crunch)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta:

    - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.

      Prepare the Vegetables:

        - While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cherry tomatoes by washing and slicing them in half. Add the halved tomatoes to the mixing bowl with the cooked pasta.

          Mix in the Mozzarella:

            - Gently fold in the fresh mozzarella pearls into the bowl with pasta and tomatoes.

              Add Fresh Basil:

                - Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces, ensuring they release their aromatic oils. Incorporate the torn basil into the pasta mixture.

                  Make the Dressing:

                    - In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

                      Combine Everything:

                        - Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Toss everything together gently until the pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are evenly coated with the dressing. If using, sprinkle in the pine nuts for an extra crunch.

                          Chill:

                            - Cover the pasta salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

                              Serve:

                                - Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

                                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings