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Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad (and an announcement!)

March 25, 2014 by Molly 8 Comments

Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad | Yes to Yolks

I have a secret to fill you in on… Something I’ve been dying to share for a while now (if you follow me on Instagram, then you may already know)…

My husband and I are expecting our first child! Come October, we’ll be new parents! It’s thrilling and terrifying all at the same time. We keep saying to each other in awe “We’re having a BABY….woah.” It’s awesome.

Announcement!

It’s been a very exciting past few days. We’re finally into our second trimester (13 weeks as of yesterday!) and able to share the news with family and friends. It’s been a whirlwind of excitement and support. I feel very loved…and grateful. My first trimester was such a breeze. Barely any nausea at all! Just fatigue and tons of bloat. Fun stuff. I’ll take that over being sick all the time, though!

Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad | Yes to Yolks

To celebrate, I made you my “famous” pasta salad. This pasta salad is one of my most requested dishes. Friends and family alike request this when they know there is a gathering or party to be had. I’ve had several people tell me that it is their absolute favorite pasta salad. To show my gratitude and love for those celebrating this new chapter in our lives, I’m sharing the recipe.

This pasta salad is incredibly easy to toss together. It hardly takes any time at all, but everyone is always impressed with how it tastes. The key to making this is to have good ingredients on hand. Because it’s such a simple salad, you really want the ingredients to shine through. Juicy, sweet cherry tomatoes. Crisp bell pepper. Soft mozzarella. Peppery basil. And a decent balsamic vinegar.

Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad | Yes to Yolks

The last key thing is to make this as far in advance as possible. Like most pasta salads, it tastes better and better with time. I usually make it several hours ahead of time, keep it in the fridge, and give it a toss when I think about it. The simple flavors gain depth with time.

Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad | Yes to Yolks

Make this if you’re in the mood for something comforting but bright. Think caprese salad tossed with garlicky-vinegary pasta. Total yum-fest.

I associate this pasta with parties and friends and celebrations….which makes it all that much more fun to share with you now. Make a bowl for your loved ones today…whether you’re celebrating something or not. I promise, people will love this one.

Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad | Yes to Yolks

 

Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad           (makes 6 servings)


1 lb penne pasta

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium shallot, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 container cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons sugar (optional – depends on how sweet your tomatoes and vinegar are. Taste as you go)

1 lb fresh mozzarella balls

½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

½ cup (or more) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper, to taste

 

1. Heat large pot of salted water to boil; add pasta and cook to “el dente” doneness, according to box directions. Drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over low heat. Add the garlic and shallots and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to slightly cool.

3. Mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and sugar (if using) in the bottom of a large serving bowl. Add diced pepper, tomatoes, and sautéed garlic/shallots. Toss to combine. Add the pasta to the bowl and toss everything together (it’s best to do this while the pasta is still warm. It will absorb the flavors better).

4. Add the mozzarella and basil. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Finish with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese and toss again.

5. Toss everything together and refrigerate for AT LEAST 2 hours before serving (the longer it sits, the better it gets).

 

 

Related

Filed Under: Entrée, Pasta, Recipes, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegetables, Vegetarian Tagged With: balsamic vinegar, basil, caprese, mozzarella, pasta, salad, vegetarian

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Comments

  1. Erin says

    March 25, 2014 at 8:04 pm

    Nom Nom Nom My FAVORITE!!!!

    Reply
  2. Chrissy says

    March 26, 2014 at 6:48 pm

    OK let me start off by saying Molly is one of my beat friends and by far one of the best humans to grace the Earth! Glad I got that out of the way;). Seriously if you haven’t had the chance to meet her in person, I am sure you have fallen in love with her through her food. I know I have! Thank you for your great food and even better company. Love you and that blessing on its way! Congrats to you both!!!!

    Reply
    • Molly says

      March 27, 2014 at 9:39 am

      Thank you so much, Chrissy! Right back atcha! Love you!

      Reply
  3. Annie Sutherland says

    July 2, 2014 at 12:56 pm

    Just made this! woot woot! Can’t wait – i’m dreaming of college all over again.

    Reply

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Hi There. I'm Molly. I'm a food-obsessed, self-taught cook and I can't wait to share my passion for all things culinary with you. My love for egg yolks is just the tip of the iceberg! Read More…

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