Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze (20-Minutes)

This Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze is the final word summer time dish.

It’s filled with contemporary substances – candy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil – all tossed with al dente pasta and completed with a wealthy, tangy balsamic glaze.

Whether or not you’re searching for a refreshing aspect dish for a BBQ or a lightweight meal for lunch, this straightforward pasta salad is bursting with taste and prepared in 20 minutes.

This dish takes inspiration from the traditional Caprese salad, combining contemporary and easy substances in a method that highlights their pure flavors.

The addition of pasta makes it heartier, whereas the balsamic glaze provides a candy and tangy depth that ties the whole lot collectively.

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Pasta Salad

Fast and simple – Prepared in 20 minutes
Makes use of easy, contemporary substances
Excellent for meal prep, picnics, and gatherings
The balsamic glaze provides a tangy, candy distinction

Components You’ll Want

For the Salad:

12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces contemporary mozzarella, diced or use mozzarella balls
½ cup contemporary basil, chopped or torn
2 tablespoons additional virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to style

For the Balsamic Glaze:

½ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

Tips on how to Make Caprese Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare dinner the Pasta

Carry a big pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare dinner the pasta in keeping with package deal directions till al dente. Drain and rinse beneath chilly water to chill it down rapidly and stop sticking.

Step 2: Put together the Components

Whereas the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop or tear the basil leaves, and cube the mozzarella (or use entire mini mozzarella balls).

Step 3: Make the Balsamic Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium warmth, mix the balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar). Carry to a simmer and let it cut back till it thickens barely, about 5-7 minutes. Take away from warmth and let it cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a big mixing bowl, mix the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat the whole lot evenly.

Step 5: Add the Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad simply earlier than serving. Toss evenly to distribute the flavors.

Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze close up

Suggestions for the Greatest Caprese Pasta Salad

Use high-quality balsamic glaze for the very best taste. Retailer-bought works, however selfmade presents a brisker style.
Let it chill for quarter-hour earlier than serving to reinforce the flavors.
Add protein like grilled hen or shrimp for a extra filling meal.
Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as three days.

What to Serve with Caprese Pasta Salad

Grilled meats – Hen, steak, or shrimp pair effectively with the contemporary, tangy flavors.
Garlic bread – A crispy aspect enhances the dish.
Mild white wines – A glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the salad fantastically.
Recent fruit – Watermelon or berries make a refreshing aspect.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make this forward of time?

Sure. Put together all of the substances, however add the balsamic glaze simply earlier than serving to maintain the whole lot contemporary and stop sogginess.

What pasta works greatest for this salad?

Brief pasta like rotini, bowtie, or penne holds the dressing and substances effectively, making it simpler to eat.

Is there a dairy-free various?

Swap mozzarella with dairy-free cheese or use avocado slices for a creamy texture with out the dairy.