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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Balsamic Glaze

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A quick and easy fresh Caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze, combining creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil for a refreshing summer dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) short pasta like rotini or penne
  • 2 cups (300 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella pearls, drained
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) balsamic glaze
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste (about ½ tsp)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about ¼ tsp)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, salt to taste (roughly ½ tsp), and freshly ground black pepper (about ¼ tsp). Whisk or shake well to emulsify the dressing.
  3. Halve 2 cups (300 g) of cherry or grape tomatoes and roughly chop or tear 1 cup of fresh basil leaves. Drain 8 oz (225 g) of mozzarella pearls well to avoid excess moisture.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss to coat evenly without bruising the delicate ingredients.
  5. Just before serving, drizzle approximately 2 tbsp (30 ml) of balsamic glaze over the salad.
  6. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or olive oil if needed. Serve immediately or chill for up to an hour to let flavors meld.

Notes

Drain mozzarella pearls well to avoid excess moisture. Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Toss gently to avoid bruising basil and crushing mozzarella. Make your own balsamic glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar until syrupy for fresher taste. Serve within 24 hours for best freshness. Add fresh basil just before serving if stored overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, summer salad, easy pasta salad, Italian salad, quick salad recipe

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