Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Introduction

Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing, colorful, and irresistibly flavorful dish that brings together the classic Italian trio of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with the satisfying heartiness of pasta. This Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze delivers bright acidity, creamy richness, and herbal aroma—all tied together with a light dressing and a sweet tangy drizzle on top. It’s perfect for warm-weather meals, potlucks, picnics, or easy weekday lunches because it stays fresh and vibrant.

Quick tip: tear the basil by hand rather than cutting it—this keeps the leaves from browning and preserves their aroma.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 12 oz pasta (340 g), rotini or bowtie
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (300 g)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella pearls (225 g)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn (30 g)
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced (75 g)
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (60 ml)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (30 ml)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (15 ml)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (3 g)
• 1/2 tsp salt (3 g)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (1 g)

For the Balsamic Glaze

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (120 ml)
• 1 tbsp honey (15 ml)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the balsamic glaze.
   Simmer balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until thick, glossy, and slightly reduced. Set aside to cool.
3. Prep the vegetables.
   Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and tear the basil leaves. Keeping everything bite-sized ensures balanced flavor in every forkful.
4. Combine the salad ingredients.
   In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and basil. The mixture should look bright, colorful, and fresh.
5. Prepare the dressing.
   Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
6. Dress the salad.
   Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to avoid crushing the mozzarella or bruising the basil.
7. Finish with balsamic glaze.
   Drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the top for a sweet, tangy finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
8. Serve and enjoy.
   Serve chilled or at room temperature. If making ahead, add fresh basil and glaze right before serving for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes—prepare the pasta and dressing ahead, but add basil and glaze just before serving to keep the flavors fresh.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta all work wonderfully in this recipe.

What protein pairs well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are excellent options for turning this into a full meal.

Edit This Article