Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (about 225g) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, bowtie, or any other)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved or quartered if large
• 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish, optional)
• Balsamic glaze or reduction (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
   • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
   • Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps to prevent the pasta from overcooking and sticking together.
   • Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
   • Wash the cherry tomatoes, then halve them. If they’re larger tomatoes, you can quarter them.
   • Similarly, halve or quarter the fresh mozzarella balls. Adjust the size based on your preference.
3. Make the Pesto Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto and extra virgin olive oil.
   • Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined. You want a slightly loose consistency for easy tossing with the pasta.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • Once the pasta has cooled down a bit (it should be warm, not hot), add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella to the bowl with the pasta.
   • Pour the prepared pesto dressing over the pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
5. Toss the Salad:
   • Gently toss everything together until the pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella are evenly coated with the pesto dressing.
   • Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that both the pesto and mozzarella may already contain salt, so adjust accordingly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • If desired, garnish the salad with torn fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and presentation.
   • Optionally, just before serving, drizzle some balsamic glaze or reduction over the salad for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad immediately as a side dish or a light meal.
   • Alternatively, refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.