Description
A bright, fresh Caprese Pasta Salad featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, topped with a sweet balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (diced or mozzarella balls)
- 0.5 cup fresh basil (chopped or torn)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cooks, wash and halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the mozzarella. Pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels if it seems watery.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey or brown sugar, stirring until dissolved. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle in olive oil and season with salt and pepper, tossing gently until well combined.
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter and drizzle with the balsamic glaze before serving. Enjoy fresh or chilled!
Notes
For best texture, serve within a day after mixing. Keep the glaze warm but not boiling for a better pouring consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg