Preparing this Quick Caprese Pasta Salad is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking 8 oz of pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. Prepare the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped fresh basil.
3. Dress the salad: Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the salad ingredients.
4. Season and toss: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
5. Serve or chill: This salad can be served immediately for a fresh, vibrant taste. Alternatively, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and enhance.