Ingredients
Herb Vinaigrette Dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1/8 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/2 to 1 tsp salt, to taste
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp black pepper, to taste
Pasta Salad:
- 10 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta, cooked to al dente and drained
- 1/8 cup fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Vinaigrette: In a large serving bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, chopped basil, chives, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth dressing. Set aside 1/4 cup of this vinaigrette in an airtight container for later use.
- Mix Salad Ingredients with Vinaigrette: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, thinly sliced red onion, and lightly toasted pine nuts to the bowl containing the vinaigrette. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Cooked Pasta: Once marinated, add the cooked and drained orecchiette pasta to the serving bowl. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Enhance Flavor Before Serving: Just before serving, pour the reserved 1/4 cup of herb vinaigrette into the pasta salad and mix well to refresh and amplify the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta salad with fresh parsley leaves. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy this delightful, herbaceous Caprese Pasta Salad.
Notes
- For best flavor, toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
- Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain a pleasant texture in the salad.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead; just keep it refrigerated and add the reserved vinaigrette before serving.
- Substitute mozzarella pearls with cubed fresh mozzarella if unavailable.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the vinaigrette according to taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
