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Easy Make-Ahead Caprese Pasta Salad Jars

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A fresh and flavorful Caprese pasta salad layered in jars for perfect portability and freshness, ideal for picnics and outdoor meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta (regular or tri-color)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced (optional)
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: black olives sliced, fresh baby spinach or arugula, pine nuts or toasted walnuts

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, slice ¼ cup red onion thinly (if using), tear or chop ½ cup fresh basil leaves, and drain 1 cup mozzarella balls. Keep ingredients ready for layering.
  4. Start by spooning about 2 tablespoons of dressing into the bottom of each 16 oz (500 ml) jar. Next, add a layer of cooked pasta (about ½ cup or 75g per jar). Follow with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, and red onion slices. Pack gently but don’t mash.
  5. Screw the lids on tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but up to 24 hours.
  6. When ready to eat, shake the jar vigorously or dump contents into a bowl and toss to combine the dressing with the pasta and veggies. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Layering the dressing at the bottom and delicate ingredients on top keeps the salad fresh and prevents sogginess. Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to cool and prevent sticking. Shake jars before eating to mix dressing evenly. Can be made vegan by substituting mozzarella with vegan cheese or tofu and honey with maple syrup. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, pasta salad, picnic, make-ahead, easy, fresh, mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/easy-make-ahead-caprese-pasta-salad-jars-recipe-for-perfect-picnic-meals/