Sweet & Savory Summer Bliss: Berry Pasta Salad

Summer is the perfect time for vibrant, fresh, and easy-to-make dishes that are perfect for enjoying outdoors! And we've got a recipe that hits all those marks and more – our Summer Berry Pasta Salad.

Juicy, sun-ripened California Giant strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries complemented with peppery arugula, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a hint of thinly sliced red onion. All of this goodness is then tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing that brings out the best in every bite. Sounds amazing, right?

Whether you're planning a picnic in the park, firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue, or simply looking for a light and satisfying meal on a warm evening, this Summer Berry Pasta Salad is your new go-to. It's super simple to make and even better, it uses the freshest California Giant berries!

Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Here's what you'll need and how to make it:

Ingredients

For The Salad

• 8 ounces short pasta (like rotini or penne)
• 1 cup sliced California Giant strawberries
• 6 ounces California Giant blueberries
• 6 ounces California Giant blackberries
• 2 cups packed fresh arugula
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls
• ¼ of a medium red onion, thinly sliced

For The Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Prepare your short pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside to cool completely. If you're in a hurry, you can rinse it under cold water to speed up the cooling process.
2. Whip up the dressing: In a glass jar, combine all the dressing ingredients: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, granulated sugar, dried basil, fine sea salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then, gently add in the sliced strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, fresh arugula, mozzarella pearls, and thinly sliced red onion.
4. Dress and toss: Drizzle the homemade balsamic dressing generously over all the salad ingredients. Using tongs, gently toss everything together until it's well combined and coated in the dressing.
5. Serve and enjoy! If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper before serving.

This Summer Berry Pasta Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy the season's bounty and add a burst of fresh flavor to your table.