Description
A refreshing and creamy pasta salad featuring fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella, perfect for summer BBQs or quick meals.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 ounces Pasta (Select a shape with ridges or curls like fusilli, penne, or orecchiette.)
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved (Grape tomatoes can be used as well.)
- 8 ounces Fresh mozzarella (Pearls are easiest, or cube a ball.)
- 1 cup Fresh basil, torn (Add at the end to avoid browning.)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (For the creamy dressing.)
- 2-3 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream (Optional for extra tang.)
- 1-2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar (Adjust depending on the sourness.)
- 1 teaspoon Honey or maple syrup (For sweetness.)
- 1 clove Garlic, minced (Or substitute with garlic powder.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (For tossing the pasta.)
- to taste Salt (Salt the pasta water.)
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil the pasta in well-salted water until just tender. Drain and rinse with cool water. Toss with a splash of olive oil.
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella, and torn basil to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir together.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the salad is dry the next day, stir in a spoonful of mayo or yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean