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Fresh Valentines Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Mozzarella and Pomegranate

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A vibrant and fresh pasta salad featuring creamy mozzarella, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, fresh herbs, and a bright homemade dressing, perfect for romantic dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh pomegranate seeds (arils), rinsed and patted dry
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions (8 to 10 minutes) until al dente. Drain well in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. While pasta cools, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, finely dice ¼ cup red onion, and chop ¼ cup fresh basil plus 2 tbsp fresh mint. Rinse and dry 1 cup pomegranate seeds carefully. Tear or halve 8 oz mozzarella balls into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, herbs, mozzarella, and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry. Before serving, give it a final gentle toss and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Use fresh herbs generously for brightness. Gently toss salad to keep mozzarella intact. Chill salad before serving for best flavor. Salad keeps well up to 2 days refrigerated. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with avocado or plant-based cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, mozzarella, pomegranate, fresh herbs, Valentine's Day, romantic dinner, easy salad, creamy dressing

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/fresh-valentines-pasta-salad-recipe-with-creamy-mozzarella-and-pomegranate-easy-homemade-salad-for-romantic-dinners/