Refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze offers an easy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Italy at home. This dish combines fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil with pasta for a satisfying meal or side.
Why Make This Recipe
This salad is perfect for warm days, gatherings, or meal prep for the week. With its vibrant colors and delightful taste, Caprese Pasta Salad can impress your friends and family without requiring extensive cooking skills. Plus, it’s a versatile dish—serve it as a light lunch, a side at dinner, or a picnic treat.
How to Make Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
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
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step by Step:
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
- 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.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish or large platter.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of the salad, adding more if desired for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad
Serve this pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. Consider pairing it with grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal. This salad also works great as a side dish at barbecues or friendly gatherings.
How to Store Caprese Pasta Salad
Store leftover Caprese Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days. However, the quality of the fresh ingredients, especially basil and mozzarella, may diminish over time.
Tips to Make Caprese Pasta Salad
- For added protein, consider tossing in some grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Experiment with different types of pasta or add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado for extra flavor.
- Adjust the balsamic glaze according to your preference—more for sweetness or tanginess.
Variation
You can turn this Caprese Pasta Salad into a warm pasta dish by adding the balsamic glaze to sautéed vegetables and tossing them with the pasta while warm.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Yes, store-bought balsamic glaze can add convenience and flavor to your Caprese Pasta Salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the mozzarella cheese or replace it with a vegan mozzarella alternative for a delicious plant-based dish.
For more fantastic recipes, check out our high-protein chicken salad or learn how to make crispy garlic chicken fried rice. Enjoy your culinary adventures!
Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini or penne)
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
- 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.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish or large platter.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of the salad, adding more if desired for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.