Easy Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe: all the best of summer

                   

• 8 ounces bowtie pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved if large
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn. Or 4 teaspoons of dried basil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat.

NOTES:

• Any smallish pasta can be substituted for bowtie pasta.
• Try using tortellini instead of bowties.
• You can use 4 teaspoons of dried basil instead of fresh. Soak the dried basil in the vinegar/oil mixture you have added an extra 2 teaspoons each of vinegar and oil to for 15 minutes.
• This can easily be made gluten free if you use GF pasta and GF balsamic vinegar.

                                     Have a delicious day!