Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Welcome to a delightful recipe adventure where fresh ingredients meet simple cooking techniques. Today, we’re focusing on a colorful and tasty dish that showcases the beauty of summer flavors: Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze. This refreshing salad is perfect for hot days, gatherings, or as a quick and easy meal for the family. With its bright colors and satisfying tastes, it brings a touch of Italy right to your kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a picnic, having a barbecue, or just need a quick lunch, this pasta salad is not only easy to make but also offers a wonderful combination of textures and flavors. So, let’s dive into all the reasons why you’ll love making this refreshing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pasta Salad

This Caprese Pasta Salad has a lot going for it. First, the blend of fresh, wholesome ingredients means you’ll get a taste of summer in every bite. The juicy cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, while the creamy mozzarella provides a perfect balance. Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch, making your kitchen smell amazing as you chop and mix.

What sets this salad apart is the simple yet luscious balsamic glaze drizzled on top. It adds a rich sweetness and slight tang that brings all the flavors together beautifully. It’s a dish that is not only delicious but visually appealing, making it a great choice for entertaining or simply enjoying at home.

This recipe is also quite flexible. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. This means you can make it your own while still keeping the spirit of the classic Caprese salad alive.

So gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on creating a dish that will impress your family and friends!

Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a refreshing and vibrant summer dish that combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad—mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—with hearty pasta. Tossed in olive oil and finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, this salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (diced or use mozzarella balls)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped or torn
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (for glaze)
• Optional Add-Ons: Olives (black or kalamata), diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, grilled chicken or shrimp

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar). Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until glaze is thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
4. Drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze just before serving.
5. Top with any optional add-ons like olives, avocado, red onion, or grilled protein for extra flavor and heartiness.

Notes

• This salad can be made a few hours ahead—just add the basil and balsamic glaze right before serving to keep them fresh.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling, Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: caprese pasta salad, pasta salad with balsamic glaze, summer pasta salad, easy caprese recipe, vegetarian pasta salad

Ingredients You’ll Need for Caprese Pasta Salad

To prepare the delightful Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze, you will need the following ingredients:

• 12 ounces pasta (choose from rotini, penne, or bowtie for great texture)
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved for easy eating)
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (diced into small pieces or use mozzarella balls)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped or torn for a burst of flavor)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (to enhance the flavors)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste for seasoning)
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (to create a tangy glaze)
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (to sweeten the balsamic glaze)

Optional Add-Ons:

You might consider including some extra ingredients to add even more flavor or variety to your pasta salad:

• Olives: Black or kalamata olives can add a nice salty flavor.
• Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
• Red onion: A thin slice can give a fresh and sharp taste.
• Grilled chicken or shrimp: For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal.

How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad a Step by Step

Creating your own Caprese Pasta Salad is an enjoyable process and can be done in just a few steps. Here’s how:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt will help flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add your choice of pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie). Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it should still be slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and then rinse it under cold water. This quick rinse will help cool it down and prevent it from sticking together.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

While your pasta is cooling, it’s time to prepare the other ingredients. Take the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. This will allow their juices to mingle with the pasta. Next, chop or tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces for easy mixing. If you have whole mozzarella balls, you can leave them as they are, or if you have a block of mozzarella, dice it into bite-sized cubes.

Step 3: Make the Balsamic Glaze

In a small saucepan, pour in the balsamic vinegar and add the honey or brown sugar. This sweet addition balances the tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce for about 5-7 minutes or until it thickens slightly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once it’s thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella, and prepared basil. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the mixture and add salt and black pepper to taste. Gently toss everything to combine, ensuring the ingredients are well-coated and evenly distributed.

Step 5: Add the Balsamic Glaze

Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the pasta salad. Toss it lightly to give it a final mix, allowing the glaze to coat all the beautiful ingredients. This will enhance the flavor profile even more and give the salad a stunning finish.

Serving Suggestions for Caprese Pasta Salad

Once you finish assembling your Caprese Pasta Salad, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish:

• Chill it First: If time allows, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld beautifully and can enhance the refreshing aspect of the dish.
• Garnish: Consider adding a few whole basil leaves or fresh tomato slices on top for visual appeal.
• Serve it in Bowls: Present your salad in individual bowls or on a large serving platter for a communal feel.
• Pairing: This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or can even serve as a light lunch on its own. For an Italian flair, serve it alongside garlic bread or a Caprese platter with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Caprese Pasta Salad

To make sure your Caprese Pasta Salad turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality mozzarella make all the difference. They enhance both flavor and presentation.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking your pasta al dente ensures it retains a nice bite and doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the mozzarella and cherry tomatoes to come to room temperature before mixing to bring out their best flavors.
• Balance the Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you mix. You may want a little more salt or a touch of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the dish.
• Balsamic Glaze Consistency: Wait for the glaze to cool before drizzling it over the salad; this will help it cling to the ingredients better.

Easy Variations for Caprese Pasta Salad

This recipe is not only delicious as is but offers room for creativity. Here are some easy variations you could try:

• Pesto Pasta Salad: Swap the balsamic glaze for pesto sauce for a different but equally delicious flavor.
• Grilled Vegetables: Incorporate grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for added nutrients and smoky flavor.
• Italian Sausage: Add crumbled, cooked Italian sausage for a heartier dish that adds a burst of flavor.
• Spinach or Arugula: Toss in fresh spinach or arugula for added greens and a peppery touch.

Storage Tips to Store Caprese Pasta Salad

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this salad disappears quickly!), here’s how to store your Caprese Pasta Salad:

• Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may meld together even more, making it just as tasty the next day.
• Keep the Glaze Separate: If you plan to store leftovers, it’s best to keep the balsamic glaze separate to avoid sogginess. Drizzle it over just before serving the remaining salad.
• Freezing: Pasta salads generally do not freeze well due to the texture of the ingredients. It’s best to enjoy it fresh!

Conclusion

Incorporating vibrant flavors and easy preparation, Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a staple dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply prepping a quick weeknight dish, the fresh ingredients combined with the sweet and tangy glaze make this salad a crowd-pleaser.

Enjoy this recipe as a way to embrace the essence of summer, and feel free to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. No matter the occasion, this salad will surely brighten your day and delight your taste buds!

FAQs About Caprese Pasta Salad

Now roll up your sleeves and give this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

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