Caprese Macaroni Salad Recipes

CAPRESE SALAD

Steps:

• Arrange the tomatoes, cheese and basil on a serving platter. Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients; drizzle over salad. If desired, sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the fusilli, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
• Place basil, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic into a blender or food processor; cover and chop to a coarse paste. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Continue processing until a soft paste has formed. Set pesto aside.
• Combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, mozzarella, and pesto in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Cover bowl, refrigerate to chill for 45 minutes, and serve.

CAPRESE MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray 13x9-inch or shallow 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Stir together drained tomatoes and pesto in small bowl; set aside. Combine uncooked macaroni, fontina cheese and 1 cup mozzarella cheese in large bowl. Place in dish in an even layer.
• Microwave 4 tablespoons butter in large microwave-safe bowl on HIGH 30 seconds or until melted. Whisk in milk, flour, salt and pepper until blended. Pour over macaroni mixture. Spoon tomato mixture evenly over macaroni. Cover dish with aluminum foil; bake 40 minutes.
• Meanwhile, microwave remaining 2 tablespoons butter in small microwave-safe bowl on HIGH 20 seconds or until melted. Stir in bread crumbs. Top macaroni with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and bread crumb mixture. Bake uncovered 10 to 15 minutes more or until golden brown on top. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

CAPRESE MACARONI SALAD

Steps:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, dressing mix, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, mozzarella and macaroni. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Top with basil and Parmesan before serving.

CAPRESE PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook just until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse lightly with cold water. Set aside to cool.
• While the pasta is cooking, drain the mozzarella balls then cut in half. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add to a mixing bowl with the mozzarella balls. Add the cooled pasta and slivered basil.
• In a small bowl or mason jar with a lid, add the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well then drizzle over the pasta. Toss to coat and taste for seasoning. The salad is best after about 30 minutes and can be refrigerated for 3 days.