Meatless Monday :: Caprese Pasta
Ingredients
garlic infused olive oil (see below)
1 lb pasta of your choice (I used Regine)
3/4 lb fresh mozzarella, diced
3 vine ripened tomatoes
2-3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
a couple handfuls of basil, torn
salt & pepper
Preparation
1
Garlic infused olive oil is a great and easy way to infuse tons of flavor into a dish! Add 1 cup olive oil and 15 smashed garlic cloves into a small saucepan. On the smallest burner and on the lowest heat allow to simmer for 25-30 minutes. The oil will look slightly cloudy in the end. Allow to cool slightly before handling.
2
Go ahead and cook your pasta to al dente, "to the tooth". Side note I found this "Regine" shaped pasta and I had to give it a try! Its so fun looking! While the pasta is cooking dice your mozzarella and tomatoes, add to a large bowl.
3
Drain the pasta and cool for a few minutes. Add the pasta to the bowl. Next, add in the basil, a 1/4 cup of the garlic infused olive oil and the balsamic. Season with salt and pepper and toss. Can be served cold or room temperature!
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About
Who does't love a caprese salad? Vine ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil & the kicker in my version... garlic infused olive oil, oh and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar! Toss it all with al dente pasta and perfection! This is super simple and quick to throw together, perfect for the dreaded Monday!
Added:
Monday, August 20, 2012 - 11:20am
