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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Balsamic Glaze Twist

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A fresh and easy Caprese pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a homemade balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
  • 2 cups (300 grams) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved
  • 1 cup (25 grams) fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and add 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar if desired. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, halved fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. Add minced garlic and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine flavors without squashing the ingredients.
  6. Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad. Toss lightly one more time or serve with the glaze on top.
  7. Optional: Chill the salad in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors marry before serving.

Notes

If glaze gets too thick or hardens, microwave for 10 seconds to restore pouring consistency. Avoid overmixing after adding glaze to keep mozzarella intact. Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free mozzarella for dietary adaptations. Fresh heirloom tomatoes can replace cherry tomatoes. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 2 days; add fresh basil before serving again.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy pasta salad, summer salad, Italian salad

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