Caprese Pasta Salad with a White Balsamic Vinaigrette

This recipe was inspired by my oldest sister Dana. She called me recently and suggested I make caprese salad combined with pasta and since I am a dutiful younger sister I complied. I decided to dress the pasta salad with a simple white balsamic vinaigrette and it turned out fantastic! I really loved the fresh basil, combined with the creamy cheese, sweet tomatoes, soft pasta, and tangy vinaigrette. My whole family enjoyed this dish, especially my son who had 3 servings. I served this pasta salad with Basil Marinated Chicken Thighs and they paired nicely together. Thanks for the inspiration Dana!

Caprese Pasta Salad with a White Balsamic Vinaigrette:

Recipe and photos by For the Love of Cooking.net

Inspired by my sister Dana

Pasta Salad:

• 8 0z gemelli pasta, cooked per instructions
• Handful of grape tomatoes
• Mozzarella cheese, diced into small cubes
• Fresh basil, chiffonade

Cook the pasta in well salted water per instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until the pasta is cool. Place the pasta into a serving bowl then add the grape tomatoes, mozzarella cheese cubes, and fresh basil.

White Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 2 tbsp canola oil
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 - 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp of sugar
• 1 clove of garlic, minced finely
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Combine all the ingredients together with a whisk until well combined. Taste, add more vinegar, sugar, sea salt, or pepper if desired.

Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and mix until coated evenly. Serve and enjoy!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe - For the Love of Cooking.net