Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the olive oil: Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Season the salad: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste over the salad, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
- Plate the salad: Transfer the tossed pasta salad to a serving dish or large platter, preparing it for the final touch.
- 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.
- 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
