Caprese Pasta Salad

Ingredients

500 g small pasta of choice (fusilli, orrechiette, penne, etc)400 g mozzarella cheese (balls or pearls)3 cups tomatoes (cherry or normal)1/2 cup fresh basil (slivered)1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil3 tbsp balsamic vinegar1 tsp salt (to taste)1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (to taste)2 cloves garlic (grated)

Steps

Cut mozzarella & tomatoes into bite sized pieces, place in a large bowl & set aside.Bring a pot of water to a boil & season generously with salt.Add pasta, cook until al dente (according to package instructions), drain, rinse with cold water & set aside to cool.Add cooled pasta & slivered basil into bowl with mozzarella & tomatoes.In a small bowl or jar with a lid, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt & black pepper, mix or shake well.Drizzle into pasta mixture, toss to coat & taste for seasoning.Add more basil & black pepper (optional) & serve after 30 mins (gives time for the flavours to blend)