Caprese Pasta Salad with Sausage Time: 25 minutes
Caprese salad is an almost universal symbol of summer: fresh mozzarella paired with garden ripened tomatoes and freshly picked basil. The only argument is whether or not Balsamic vinegar should be used. Why not add some pasta and make it a light summer meal?
3 - 6 sausages, 8 oz total weight (250 gr)
1 package (ball) mozzarella - cow is okay, buffalo is better
1/2 -3/4 cup cherry or grape tomatoes Or
2 medium tomatoes
Fresh basil - about 1/2 cup of leaves (as far as I am concerned one cannot have too much!)
1 1/4 cups pasta (8oz) - the small kind - farfalle, shells, etc.
2 tbs Balsamic vinegar
2 tbs olive oil - good stuff
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Cook sausages on barbecue grill for 8 - 12 minutes or until done OR pan fry for same amount of time, until done. Cut cherry or grape tomatoes in half or leave whole. Cut large tomatoes into thick slices, then quarter the slices. Slice mozzarella into thick slices then in quarters (we are aiming for bite-size). Cut sausages into 1 inch slices. Add tomato, mozzarella and sausage to pasta and toss lightly. Mix oil and vinegar and add to pasta, tossing to combine. Top with basil leaves - tearing the larger ones in half and serve
Cooking for Two? Or more?
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