Ingredients
12 oz pasta (like bowtie or fusilli)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh mozzarella balls, cut into chunks
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic glaze (unsweetened or low-sugar)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tsp salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
Add pasta and cook al dente (about 10-12 minutes); drain and let cool
Toss cooked pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella chunks, and chopped basil in a large bowl
Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper
Optionally drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving
Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld
Serve cold or at room temperature
Notes
Best served chilled after 1-2 hours refrigeration
Adjust mozzarella size based on desired creaminess
Use spring water or brine-free halal mozzarella if concerned about sodium
Optional additions: blanched green beans, halal pesto, or toasted pine nuts
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: High Protein Snacks
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg