Print

Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

fresh Caprese pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh and easy Caprese pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups (300 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: pine nuts or toasted walnuts for crunch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool slightly (about 10 minutes).
  2. If making homemade balsamic glaze, pour 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. While pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes and tear the basil leaves into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and torn basil. Drizzle with olive oil, add minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to mix without bruising the ingredients.
  5. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly. Use mozzarella pearls instead of shredded cheese for better texture. Make balsamic glaze fresh if possible for brighter flavor. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising tomatoes and basil. Add balsamic glaze and basil just before serving to keep salad fresh and vibrant. Optional additions include red pepper flakes and toasted nuts for extra flavor and crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, balsamic glaze, summer salad, easy pasta salad, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, quick side dish

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-step-summer-side-dish-with-balsamic-glaze/