Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad
A light and refreshing pasta salad featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or casual lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle; gluten-free options if needed)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls (small and firm, Galbani brand recommended)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: toasted pine nuts for crunch
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze, and 1 finely minced garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 8 ounces mozzarella pearls, and 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat evenly without squashing the tomatoes or cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or balsamic glaze as desired. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a slight kick.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Use al dente pasta to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it for salad use. Pat tomatoes dry to prevent watery salad. Toss gently to avoid breaking mozzarella pearls. For homemade balsamic glaze, simmer balsamic vinegar until reduced by half and syrupy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (200 gra
- Calories: 280320
- Sugar: 46
- Sodium: 250350
- Fat: 1416
- Saturated Fat: 46
- Carbohydrates: 2832
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 1215
Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, summer salad, pasta salad, balsamic glaze, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, easy pasta salad