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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Balsamic Glaze

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A quick and easy pasta salad combining fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze for a fresh, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings or light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella bocconcini or small mozzarella balls, drained and halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2–3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: pine nuts, toasted

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 9-11 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta (about 2 minutes). Drain again thoroughly.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  3. Halve 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls. Tear about 1 cup of basil leaves into bite-sized pieces. If using, lightly toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the olive oil and garlic dressing. Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, folding gently to combine without breaking up the cheese.
  5. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If desired, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
  6. Right before serving, drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the salad. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to create thin lines across the top for presentation.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad if using. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to marry, then serve.

Notes

Avoid mixing the balsamic glaze too early to prevent overpowering the salad. Cooling and rinsing the pasta helps keep the salad fresh and prevents sticking. Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and add basil last to avoid wilting. Toast pine nuts for added crunch if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, fresh pasta salad, balsamic glaze pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, mozzarella pasta salad, basil pasta salad

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-balsamic-glaze/