Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Balsamic Glaze
A fresh and flavorful pasta salad combining al dente short pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a sticky sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick meals, summer gatherings, and crowd-pleasing occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 pint (about 250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces
- About 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3–4 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Optional: red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
- While the pasta cooks, halve 1 pint (about 250g) cherry tomatoes and tear 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Roughly tear about 1 cup fresh basil leaves. Mince 1 clove garlic.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to combine without bruising the basil or smashing the mozzarella.
- Drizzle 3-4 tablespoons balsamic glaze over the salad and swirl lightly to create streaks for flavor and visual appeal.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld, but serve while still fresh and slightly cool.
Notes
Tear mozzarella by hand for better texture and flavor absorption. Tear basil leaves instead of chopping to avoid bruising. Make your own balsamic glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar if desired. Toss salad gently to keep ingredients intact. Serve within an hour of assembly for best texture. Optionally add red pepper flakes or toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Protein: 15
Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy pasta salad, summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad