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Cantaloupe Caprese Pasta Salad w/ Toasted Fennel Vinaigrette

Juicy cantaloupe stands in for tomato in this refreshing, patio-friendly Cantaloupe Caprese Pasta Salad with Toasted Fennel Vinaigrette.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dried orecchiette
  • ¼ cantaloupe
  • 2 mini cucumbers cut into ribbons
  • 200g (7oz) mini bocconcini drained
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves tightly packed
  • ¼ cup +1 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • cup red wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Cook orecchiette according to package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside.
  2. Cut cantaloupe into balls using a melon baller. Place them in a large bowl. Add the bocconcini, basil, cucumber and cooled orecchiette.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the fennel seeds and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  4. Place fennel seed mixture in a small mixing bowl. Add the remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt. Whisk to combine. Pour the vinaigrette over the cantaloupe/orecchiette mixture. Toss to coat.C hill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish the finished salad with fresh ground pepper.