Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze (20-Minutes)
A vibrant, 20-minute pasta salad combining al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, finished with a tangy balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 8
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: quick
- Method: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
8 ounces diced fresh mozzarella (or mini mozzarella balls)
½ cup chopped/fresh basil
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Boil salted water until rolling. Cook pasta al dente per package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Halve cherry tomatoes, chop basil, and dice mozzarella.
Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool.
Toss pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle cooled balsamic glaze over the salad. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Notes
Add sliced cucumber or bell peppers for crunch
Substitute feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist
Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor
Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain texture
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 58g
- Cholesterol: 75mg