Salad of Orecchiette, Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Ingredients

1 pound orecchiette pasta
4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 pound fresh mozzarella, chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
Drain and cool the pasta under cold running water.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes and mozzarella.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped basil over the top of the salad.

Verdict

This Salad of Orecchiette, Tomatoes and Mozzarella is a fresh and summery dish that is perfect for lunch or as a side dish. The combination of the tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella is a winning trifecta that is hard to resist. The tangy balsamic dressing adds a bright burst of flavor to the salad, while the fresh basil gives it a fragrant finish. Serve this salad alongside grilled meats or enjoy it on its own for a light and refreshing meal.