it's my girls' world: Caprese Pasta Salad

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Caprese Pasta Salad

Don't you just love those make ahead, light, easy summer meals? This one filled with the fresh tangy flavours of summer and bursting with balsamic goodness was a huge hit at our last get together.

Caprese Orzo Pasta-- my version adapted from multiple recipes online

Ingredients:

1 lb or 450 g of orzo pasta (cooked in salted water)

1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes

1/2 pound of mini bocconcini balls or good quality mozzarella cut into 1" cubes

20 basil leaves

1/2 cup of olive oil

1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar

2 cloves of garlic grated

2 teaspoons of dijon mustard

2 teaspoons of honey

salt and pepper to taste

fresh parmesan shavings (optional)

Method:

1- Set the pasta to cook according to package instructions. Remove stems and cut tomatoes in half. I also cut my bocconcini in halves but I won't do that next time.

2- Mix the oil, vinegar, mustard, grated garlic, honey, salt and pepper together until dissolved.

3- When the pasta is cool, add the dressing and then the tomatoes, cheese and basil together.

4- Put in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight. Top with parmesan cheese if you wish before serving.

We served ours with some summer corn, grilled sausages and a garden salad but it's great on its own as a light lunch as well. This also serves lots of people so it is a great dish to make to bring to a potluck. Any way you have it, it's delicious!

Have a wonderful day!