Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that screams fresh and flavorful, you’ve got to try this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze! It’s like summer on a plate, with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil all mingling together. The real showstopper? That gorgeous balsamic glaze drizzled on top, adding just the right tangy sweetness that takes this salad from simple to spectacular. I whip this up for gatherings, and trust me, it’s always a hit! It’s bright, colorful, and absolutely bursting with flavor—perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
To make this delightful Caprese Pasta Salad, you’ll need just a handful of fresh ingredients that come together beautifully! Start with 8 ounces of your favorite pasta—anything from penne to fusilli works great. Next, grab 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved to show off their juicy goodness. Don’t forget 1 cup of mozzarella balls; the creamy texture is simply irresistible. You’ll also want 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves for that aromatic touch. For drizzling, have 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze and 2 tablespoons of olive oil on hand. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re all set!
How to Prepare Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Preparing this Caprese Pasta Salad is as easy as it is delightful! First, start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions—this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it and let it cool completely. This prevents the salad from wilting and keeps everything fresh. While the pasta cools, you can prepare the other ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. Gently toss everything together to mix the flavors without squishing the ingredients. Finally, drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad, adding a bit of salt and pepper for seasoning. Toss gently again to coat everything evenly, and voilà! You’ve got a stunning salad ready to serve!
Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your 8 ounces of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. After that, drain the pasta in a colander and give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool completely.
Combining Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of mozzarella balls. Tear in the fresh basil leaves for that wonderful aroma! Gently toss everything together, being careful not to squish the tomatoes or mozzarella. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor!
Adding Flavor
Now comes the fun part! Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze over your salad. Adjust the amount of balsamic glaze to your liking—some like it sweet, while others prefer a tangier kick. Toss gently to coat the salad evenly in that delicious glaze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh ingredients: Bursting with the vibrant flavors of summer, this salad highlights the best of seasonal produce.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it chilled, at room temperature, or as a delightful side dish for grilled meats.
- Delicious flavor profile: The combination of tangy balsamic glaze, creamy mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own!
Tips for Success
To make your Caprese Pasta Salad truly shine, always opt for the freshest ingredients you can find—this really makes a difference in flavor! When choosing tomatoes, look for ones that are plump and bursting with color. I also recommend using high-quality mozzarella; the creaminess will elevate the dish. If you have time, let the salad sit for about 15 minutes after tossing it together; this allows the flavors to mingle beautifully. And don’t be afraid to play around with add-ins! Grilled chicken or avocado can take this salad to the next level, making it even more satisfying.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delightful Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze is packed with flavor and nutrition! You can expect approximately 300 calories, 15g of fat, 10g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQ About Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Got questions? I’ve got answers! First off, can you store this salad? Absolutely! Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prep! Now, what about serving suggestions? This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a fantastic side for summer BBQs. If you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to substitute the mozzarella with feta or add in some avocado for extra creaminess. And yes, you can totally make it ahead of time; just wait to add the balsamic glaze until right before serving for that fresh taste!
Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze: 5 Fresh Secrets
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and flavorful caprese pasta salad drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Can be served cold or at room temperature.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic glaze to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: caprese pasta salad, balsamic glaze, Italian salad, pasta salad
