Description
Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the best of summer flavors in a quick, 20-minute preparation. This easy-to-make salad features al dente pasta tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a light lunch, this salad not only impresses with its delightful taste but also offers versatility—you can serve it as a main dish or side.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (diced or mozzarella balls)
- ½ cup fresh basil (chopped or torn)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (follow package instructions). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the basil. If using block mozzarella, dice it.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey; slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until combined.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg