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:

  1. 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.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
  3. 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.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and fold gently with a spatula until every noodle is glossy.
  6. Just before serving, fold in the torn basil leaves and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.