The Best Easy Caprese Pasta Salad with Homemade Balsamic Glaze
You will create a refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad that captures classic Italian flavors. This simple, make-ahead dish is perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, or as a light side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook (Assembly)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound short pasta, such as rotini or farfalle
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 16 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (pearls or small bocconcini), drained
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for glaze)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely. Set aside.
- Prepare the balsamic dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- If you want a thicker glaze, take 1/4 cup of the prepared dressing and whisk in the honey or maple syrup in a separate small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until slightly thickened (about 3 minutes). Do not boil. This is your optional balsamic glaze.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
- Pour the remaining balsamic dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- When serving, drizzle the optional homemade balsamic glaze over the top of the salad for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- You can make this salad up to one day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. Toss again before serving.
- For a tangier dressing, use white balsamic vinegar instead of regular balsamic vinegar in the main dressing mixture.
- If you are serving a crowd, double the recipe easily. This is a great potluck side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg