Caprese Salad

I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in tune once more.  John Burroughs

Paddling the backwaters

Caprese Salad

Cook's notes:

Easy fresh seasonal summer salad, the perfect side for your next grilled meal. If making ahead of time, prep all of the ingredients and dressing up to 24 hours in advance, then mix salad with enough dressing to moisten the salad and chill for one hour. 

Some suggested add-ins include: diced cucumbers and pepperoni slices.

Salad Ingredients

• 1-pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 2 cups dried pasta such as orecchiette, fusilli, or medium shells, cooked al dente and drained
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup of mozzarella balls (found in the deli section) 
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup good quality dark balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme and 1/4 teaspoon parsley
• 1-1/2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard 
• 1-1/2 teaspoons of honey
• 1 garlic clove

Directions:

• Halve tomatoes and mozzarella balls and place in a large bowl. Add cooked pasta, red onions, and freshly chopped basil.
• In a blender mix dressing ingredients.
• Pour enough dressing over salad ingredients to moisten. Save reserved dressing if needed for next-day serving. Chill 1-2 hours before serving. 
  
  Caprese Salad-individual serving plated with add-ins diced cucumbers and red onions. 

Today's Fun Discovery-Unique Bench in Pequot Lakes, MN