Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Side Dish
A fresh and easy Caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze, combining ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and pasta for a light and flavorful summer side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz short pasta (penne or rotini)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn or cut into bite-sized pieces (bocconcini preferred)
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/3 cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain fully.
- If making homemade balsamic glaze, pour 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and thickened to a syrupy consistency, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, cooled pasta with 8 oz torn fresh mozzarella, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves. Drizzle 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over the top.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently using two large spoons or your hands to mix everything without crushing the tomatoes or cheese.
- Drizzle 1/3 cup of the balsamic glaze over the salad. Toss lightly once more to distribute glaze in streaks, preserving visual contrast.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Use al dente pasta and rinse with cold water immediately after cooking to prevent mushiness. Tear fresh mozzarella by hand for best texture. Add basil just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant. Don’t overdress with balsamic glaze as it is concentrated and sweet. Let the salad rest 10-15 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, balsamic glaze, summer side dish, fresh mozzarella, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, Italian salad