Description
This Halloween Caprese Pasta Salad is a quick and delightful dish perfect for festive gatherings. Featuring striking black penne pasta, vibrant cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and colorful carrots, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, it balances spooky aesthetics with refreshing flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz Black Penne
- 1 cup Dark Red Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Purple, Orange, and White Carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Fresh Basil leaves
Dairy
- 1 cup Mozzarella Pearls (fresh burrata can be used as a substitute)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Mustard
- Pinch of Coarse Salt, to taste
- Pinch of Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the black penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it with cold water to halt the cooking process and cool the pasta to prevent it from sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled black penne, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil leaves, and thinly sliced purple, orange, and white carrots. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a separate bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, mustard, and a pinch of coarse salt and ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth, emulsified dressing.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish Just Before Serving: Add extra mozzarella pearls and fresh basil leaves on top of the salad to enhance the presentation and provide fresh bursts of flavor right before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, substitute mozzarella pearls with fresh burrata cheese.
- Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops cooking and helps keep the salad cool and refreshing.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences.
- This salad can be made ahead but garnish just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the vinaigrette if a slightly sweeter flavor is desired.
