Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish: caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze! It’s like a symphony of fresh flavors that just sings on your palate. I love how the juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil all come together with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze. Every bite feels like a little celebration! I remember making this for a picnic last year, and it was gone in minutes! Trust me, this salad is not just a dish; it’s a vibrant burst of sunshine on your plate that you just can’t resist!
Ingredients for Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Gathering fresh ingredients is key to making this caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze truly shine! You’ll need 8 oz of cooked pasta—any pasta shape you love works great. I usually go for rotini or penne because they hold onto that delicious dressing like a champ. Next, grab 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes; their sweetness is simply divine. Don’t forget 1 cup of mozzarella balls, which add a delightful creaminess. Fresh basil leaves, about 1/2 cup, are essential for that aromatic touch. For the dressing, you’ll need 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, along with salt and pepper to taste. That’s it—simple, fresh, and so flavorful!
How to Prepare Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Making this caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze is a breeze! First, let’s get that pasta cooked to perfection. Once it’s ready, let it cool down a bit before tossing it with the other ingredients. This helps keep everything fresh and vibrant. Next, in a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes and those creamy mozzarella balls. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together nicely. Finally, sprinkle in the fresh basil, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. This is where all those flavors mingle! Don’t forget that gorgeous balsamic glaze—drizzle it on top just before serving for that extra zing. It’s simple, fresh, and oh-so-delicious!
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Start by cooking your 8 oz of pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it well and let it cool completely. This step is crucial to avoid wilting the fresh ingredients!
Step 2: Mixing Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of mozzarella balls. Gently toss them together, making sure everything is evenly distributed. It’s all about that beautiful blend!
Step 3: Final Touches
Now, add in about 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure that delicious oil coats all the ingredients. Finally, finish it off by drizzling with 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze right before you serve it. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This caprese pasta salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant basil creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a great option for vegetarians, packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or family dinner, this salad impresses and satisfies a crowd!
Tips for Success
To take your caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze to the next level, consider marinating the mozzarella balls in olive oil with some Italian herbs for added flavor. It really makes a difference! Also, don’t be shy about customizing your salad—throw in some sliced avocado or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and taste. If you’re serving it at a gathering, I recommend preparing the salad a little ahead of time, but add the balsamic glaze just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Trust me, these little tweaks will make your salad unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
This caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze is not just delicious, but also fairly nutritious! Each serving (1 serving) packs approximately 320 calories, with 15g of fat, 12g of protein, and 38g of carbohydrates. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a fresh meal, but keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ Section
Can I use gluten-free pasta? Absolutely! Just substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety, and you’ll still enjoy all the flavors of this caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze.
How long does this salad last in the fridge? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Just remember to add the balsamic glaze before serving!
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the pasta and mix all the ingredients, but wait to add the balsamic glaze until right before serving to keep everything fresh.
What other ingredients can I add? Feel free to get creative! Adding ingredients like roasted peppers, olives, or even grilled chicken can take this salad to the next level.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze, simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you need to reheat, I recommend doing so gently in the microwave, but serve it cold for the best flavors!
Imprimer
Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze: 5 Flavorful Tips
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A fresh and delicious caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
- Add fresh basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the mozzarella in olive oil and herbs.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 250mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 38g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 12g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: caprese pasta salad, balsamic glaze, Italian salad, fresh pasta salad
