Caprese Pasta Salad

• Salt and pepper
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1 lb.)
• 1/3 cup pitted, chopped kalamata olives
• 1 pound short pasta such as cavatappi or penne
• 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves or baby arugula
• 1 pound mozzarella balls, quartered if large or halved if small
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Mix vinaigrette in a large bowl. Whisk in shallot, garlic, tomatoes and olives. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, about 10 minutes, or as package label directs. Drain pasta and immediately add to bowl with tomato mixture. Toss gently.
3. Add basil, mozzarella and Parmesan to bowl with pasta mixture and lightly toss again. Season salad with salt and pepper and serve right away, or cover and refrigerate to serve cold.

salt, shallot, garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, pasta, basil, mozzarella, parmesan

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/caprese-pasta-salad (may not work)