Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A delicious and easy-to-make salad that combines pasta, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, perfect for warm days or gatherings.
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.
Notes
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. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g