Name: Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients: 8 oz. Dry rotini pasta; 10 oz. Cherry tomatoes; 8 oz. Mozzarella pearls; ½ cup Italian dressing; 3 tbsp. Balsamic vinegar; ½ cup Packed, fresh basil leaves; ¼ cup Finely grated Parmesan cheese; Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

1

Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain the pasta water and set the cooked pasta aside to cool for about ten minutes.

Tip: Rotini or fusilli pasta is perfect in this pasta salad because the Italian dressing clings to the spiraled nooks of the pasta. Penne and bowtie pasta are also great options!

2

While the pasta cools, cut the smaller cherry tomatoes in half and larger cherry tomatoes into quarters to create similar-sized pieces. Thinly slice the fresh basil leaves.

3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, sliced basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula or large spoon to mix the ingredients together.

Tip: We highly recommend finding a good quality piece of Parmesan cheese and grating it into this pasta salad using a microplane or the small holes of a grater. Finely shredded Parmesan cheese will also work; look for a container that is full of cheese that has been grated in-store if possible.

4

Serve in Chinet Crystal® cups and enjoy!