Monday, June 24, 2013

Caprese Pasta Salad

I love cooking during the summer. Gardens are full of fresh ingredients, herbs taste the way they should and there are always reasons to get together with friends and family to share a meal. I have been craving caprese salads ever since I had my first farm-fresh tomato of the season earlier this summer. However, it can be hard to serve burrata, heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil to large group. So if you are craving the same thing, here is a cool alternative for hot summer nights.

Caprese Pasta Salad


Ingredients
1 box bowtie pasta
2 ½ cups kumatos or farm-fresh tomatoes
1 small can sliced olives
¼ cup minced red onion
1 cup diced fresh mozzarella
1 cup of fresh basil – 4 leaves set aside for garnish, julienne the rest
½ cup white balsamic & honey dressing (I prefer Private Selection dressing & marinade)
½ olive oil
½ tablespoon chopped jalapenos (Christopher Ranch makes a great jarred version)
Sea salt
Fresh cracked pepper

Directions
Bring a pot of water, lightly salted, to a good boil and add the box of pasta; cook until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Dice, chop and julienne the next 5 ingredients. Mix the mozzarella in ¼ cup of olive oil; cover with basil. 



Mix kumatos/tomatoes, olives, red onion and jalapenos in a separate bowl; add this mixture to cooled pasta. Stir in dressing, salt and pepper to taste.




Cover with mozzarella and basil mixture; garnish with a few basil leaves. Serve chilled and enjoy!

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