Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) Rotini or Fusilli pasta
- 1 tbsp (15g) Salt
- 2 cups (300g) Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz (225g) Fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup (25g) Fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- 1/4 cup (15g) Red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp (5g) Dried oregano
- 1 clove (5g) Garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp (3g) Salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) Black pepper
Instructions:
- Fill a large pot with water and add 1 tbsp salt. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the rotini and cook according to the box instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and shake well to remove excess water.
- Return the steaming pasta to the bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of the dressing. Note: This is where the flavor gets locked in.
- In a jar or small bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds until the mixture looks opaque and combined.
- Toss the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and diced red onion into the pasta.
- Pour the remaining dressing over the top and fold gently with a spatula.
- Stir in the fresh basil chiffonade at the very end. Note: Do this last so the leaves don't bruise or turn brown.
- Let the Easy Tomato Pasta Salad rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving or refrigerate.