Caprese Pasta Salad
This Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze is loaded with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a garlicky balsamic dressing. It’s fresh, fast, and made to chill. Great for BBQs, potlucks, or straight-from-the-fridge lunches.
Servings: 6
Calories: 427kcal
Ingredients
- 12 ounces farfalle pasta or other small shaped pasta like penne or rotini
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 ounces bocconcini or mozzarella cubed
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction
- ⅓ cup olive oil extra virgin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze or reduction and minced garlic. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Make sure the pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. You can also add more fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for additional flavor.
Video
Notes
- Any short pasta works, bowties, rotini, penne, just cook it al dente.
- Use the freshest mozzarella and basil you can find. It makes all the difference.
- No balsamic glaze? Reduce regular balsamic vinegar on the stove until thick.
- Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors come together.
- Add-ins like grilled chicken or arugula are great, just don’t drown it with extras unless you’re doubling the dressing.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 393IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 1mg
