Caprese Pasta Salad

8
Points®
Total Time
32 min
Prep
7 min
Cook
25 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
To get a head start, cook up the pasta according to the package directions the day before, then drain and transfer to a microwave-safe bowl.

Ingredients

Tomato

3 large, finely chopped

Table salt

tsp

Uncooked pasta

6 oz, orecchiette or other small pasta

Fresh basil

¼ cup(s), fresh, cut into thin strips

Garlic

1 clove(s), minced

Olive oil

1 Tbsp

Black pepper

tsp, freshly ground

Shredded part skim mozzarella cheese

¾ cup(s)

Instructions

  1. Place the tomatoes in a colander and sprinkle with the salt. Place in the sink; let drain about 20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to the package directions, omitting the salt if desired. Drain; keep warm.
  3. Combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, oil, and pepper in a serving bowl; let stand about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Add the pasta and mozzarella; toss until the cheese softens. Yields about 1 cup per serving.

Notes

Cover with wax paper and refrigerate up to 1 day. Just before serving, microwave on High just until warmed through, about 2 minutes.