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Three-color fusilli salad with cherry tomatoes, fior di latte, capers and basil

Tricolore Fusilli Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella and Capers

Three-colour fusilli with juicy cherry tomatoes, soft fior di latte and briny capers in a basil and wine vinegar dressing.

If using salt-packed capers, rinse and soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and taste before adding salt.

Make ahead Prepare the pasta and tomatoes up to a day ahead and refrigerate in a covered container. Fold in the drained mozzarella and basil just before serving.

Total
42 min
Prep
15 min
Cook
12 min
Serves
4

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Tricolore Fusilli Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella and Capers

Total 42 min · Prep 15 min · Cook 12 min · Serves 4

Method

  1. Toss the halved tomatoes with a small pinch of salt in a large bowl. Leave for 10–15 minutes so they release some juice. Stir in the capers, vinegar and 30 ml of the oil.Toss the halved tomatoes with a small pinch of salt in a large bowl. Leave for 10–15 minutes so they release some juice. Stir in the capers, vinegar and 2 tbsp (30 ml) of the oil.

  2. Cook the fusilli in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well, spread the pasta on a tray and toss it with the remaining 15 ml of oil. Let it cool for about 10 minutes, until it no longer steams.Cook the fusilli in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well, spread the pasta on a tray and toss it with the remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) of oil. Let it cool for about 10 minutes, until it no longer steams.

  3. Fold the pasta into the tomatoes and their dressing. When the pasta has cooled to room temperature, add the diced fior di latte and torn basil. Taste for salt, rest for 5 minutes and serve.

Equipment

  • Stockpot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife

The story behind Tricolore Fusilli Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella and Capers

The colours in tricolore fusilli come from semolina, tomato and spinach. The short spirals hold the dressing in their grooves. Salt the cut tomatoes before tossing them with the pasta, so their juices become part of the dressing.

Drain the fior di latte well and add it once the pasta is cool. Its soft, milky bite balances the capers and the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.

Three-color fusilli salad with cherry tomatoes, fior di latte, capers and basil

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