Description
This Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a fresh, quick 20-minute dish combining pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, finished with a tangy-sweet balsamic drizzle. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced or mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped or torn
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Â
- For the Balsamic Glaze:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool
2. While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop or tear the basil, and dice the mozzarella if needed
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey or brown sugar, simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened, then cool
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, then drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
5. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to combine
Notes
Rinsing the pasta stops cooking and keeps it from sticking together
Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a more filling meal
The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg