Ingredients:
- 16 oz (450g) short pasta (Cavatappi, Fusilli, or Penne)
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella pearls
- 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (20g) fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15ml) honey
- 1 clove (5g) garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30ml) balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes less than the package directions to ensure it remains al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
- In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake until the mixture is emulsified and thickened.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and fold gently with a spatula until every noodle is glossy.
- Just before serving, fold in the torn basil leaves and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.