Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious pasta salad that’ll become your go-to summer dish, you’re going to love this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic — all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with a luscious balsamic glaze that’ll have you dreaming of Italy with every bite. Trust me, once you try this, it’s hard to go back to regular pasta salad!

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients that naturally complement each other. The pasta acts like a neutral base soaking up the flavors, while the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a classic Italian trio that’s unmistakably delicious. Shopping tip: always grab the freshest mozzarella and the ripest tomatoes you can find — they really make a difference!

• Bow-tie or farfalle pasta: Its shape holds the dressing and ingredients well, making every forkful balanced.
• Fresh mozzarella pearls: These mini cheese balls melt in your mouth with creamy bursts of flavor.
• Grape tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and less watery than larger tomatoes — perfect for salads.
• Fresh basil: The herbaceous notes brighten the dish and provide an aromatic punch.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps marry all ingredients together.
• Balsamic vinegar: Gives the salad its signature tangy-sweet vibe, essential in both dressing and glaze.
• Honey: Balances acidity with natural sweetness in the dressing and glaze.
• Grated garlic: Brings a subtle depth and savory kick without overwhelming.
• Italian seasoning mix: Adds an herby seasoning boost with minimal effort.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe can easily adapt to your mood or pantry. Whether you want to add a little crunch, switch up the cheese, or keep it vegan-friendly, this salad welcomes your tweaks and twists.

• Add-Ins: Sometimes I toss in toasted pine nuts or sliced avocado to up the texture and creaminess — it’s heavenly!
• Cheese Swap: If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, cubed feta or goat cheese can bring a tangy flair.
• Seasonal Veggies: In the fall, roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini work beautifully instead of raw tomatoes.
• Make It Vegan: Skip the cheese and double up on fresh basil and grape tomatoes, maybe a splash more balsamic for punch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Cooking the perfect pasta

Start by boiling your bow-tie or farfalle pasta according to the package directions — usually about 10 minutes until al dente. I like to salt my water generously for flavor. Once cooked, drain it well and transfer to a large mixing bowl so it’s ready to mingle with the other ingredients. Make sure the pasta isn’t too hot when you add the dressing, or it might wilt the fresh basil.

Step 2: Whip up the balsamic dressing

While the pasta cooks, mix up the balsamic dressing. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, grated garlic, and Italian seasoning mix in a bowl — whisk it well until everything is nicely blended. Pop this in the fridge so it chills and thickens a bit, making it easier to coat the pasta salad later.

Step 3: Toss together the salad

Add the halved grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and most of your chopped basil into the bowl with the cooled pasta. Pour in about half a cup of the chilled balsamic dressing and gently toss everything to coat without squishing the tomatoes or cheese. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours — this lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Make the balsamic glaze

While the салад chills, simmer your balsamic glaze. Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil then turn the heat down and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until it’s reduced by about half and has a syrupy thickness. Let it cool completely — this glaze adds a stunning sweet-tangy finish when drizzled over your salad just before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved chopped basil over your pasta salad and artistically drizzle the balsamic glaze on top. The glaze not only amps up flavor but makes the salad look super inviting — a simple touch that impresses every time.

How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I always add a handful of fresh basil leaves right before serving — it wakes up the dish with a lovely fragrance and a pop of green color. Sometimes I sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a subtle crunch and extra seasoning. And, of course, the balsamic glaze drizzle is a must for that irresistible glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad pairs fantastically well with grilled chicken or shrimp if you want some protein. For a vegetarian spread, roasted garlic bread or a crisp greens salad with lemon vinaigrette complement it perfectly. I especially love serving it with a chilled glass of white wine on warm afternoons.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I’ve served this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe in pretty glass jars or small cups for an elegant individual portion. You can also layer it in a trifle bowl for a colorful centerpiece. Adding whole basil leaves and halved mozzarella pearls on skewers as a garnish on the side gives it a gourmet touch guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve enjoyed your Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find it stays fresh and tasty up to 3 days, but the flavors might deepen even more overnight. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad — the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella don’t hold up well when thawed, often becoming watery or rubbery. If you want to prep in advance, it’s best to make the pasta and dressing separately and assemble closer to serving time.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you prefer to warm the pasta slightly, set aside the mozzarella and dressing, warm the pasta alone just briefly in the microwave, then toss everything back together.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes that brings sunshine to your table no matter the season. It’s simple, fresh, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a quick, tasty lunch. I love making a big batch because it always disappears fast at gatherings. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and you might just find your new favorite pasta salad too!

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