Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic Italian Caprese. Combining tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (rotini or penne work well)
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it quickly.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the olive oil over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine. Ensure the olive oil is evenly distributed among the pasta and vegetables.
4. Step 4: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Step 5: Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish or large platter.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of the salad, adding more if desired for extra flavor.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture and flavor; bocconcini or ciliegine sizes work well.
• Try adding some sliced cucumbers or olives for extra crunch and taste.
• For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu or vegan cheese.
• Make your own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens if you can’t find it at the store.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Balsamic glaze may darken over time but will still taste great. For best results, add fresh basil just before serving. Reheat is not recommended, as this salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add any fresh basil or balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain freshness.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Short pasta shapes like rotini or penne hold the dressing well and complement the other ingredients nicely, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.

Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 375 reviews

This fresh and vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a perfect blend of al dente pasta, juicy grape tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all tossed with extra-virgin olive oil and finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare, perfect for summer lunches, picnics, or as a light dinner.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling and Tossing
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 12 ounces of pasta (rotini or penne work well)
• 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces

Dressing & Seasoning

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly.
2. Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, halved fresh mozzarella balls, and torn fresh basil leaves.
3. Add the olive oil: Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
4. Season the salad: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste over the salad, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
5. Plate the salad: Transfer the tossed pasta salad to a serving dish or large platter, preparing it for the final touch.
6. Drizzle balsamic glaze: Pour the balsamic glaze evenly over the top of the salad for that signature sweet and tangy finish. Add more glaze if you desire a stronger flavor.
7. Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh and vibrant dish, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• You can use rotini or penne pasta for this recipe, whichever holds the dressing better.
• For a lighter version, reduce the amount of olive oil or use a light vinaigrette instead.
• If fresh mozzarella balls are unavailable, cut fresh mozzarella cheese into bite-sized cubes.
• Allowing the salad to chill for up to 2 hours helps the flavors marry beautifully.
• For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese.

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, pasta salad with balsamic glaze, Italian pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad