Description
A refreshing and vibrant Caprese Pasta Salad featuring bow-tie pasta, fresh mozzarella pearls, grape tomatoes, and basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing and finished with a sweet balsamic glaze garnish. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 12 ounce box bow-tie pasta (medium size #66), cooked and drained
- 8 ounce package fresh mozzarella pearls (mini mozzarella balls)
- 2 cups (1 ½ pints) grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 small bunch fresh basil, chopped and divided
Balsamic Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅛ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons grated garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 0.6 ounce packet Italian seasoning dressing mix
Balsamic Glaze (for garnish)
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the bow-tie pasta for 10 minutes or according to the package directions. Drain and place the cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Prepare balsamic dressing: While the pasta is cooking, combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, grated garlic, and Italian seasoning dressing mix in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate to chill.
- Combine salad ingredients: In the large bowl with pasta, add halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, chopped fresh basil (reserve some for garnish), and ½ cup of the chilled balsamic dressing. Mix well to combine.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Make balsamic glaze: While the salad chills, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over the stove. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the mixture reduces by half. Transfer the glaze to a glass jar and cool completely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove pasta salad from fridge, garnish with reserved chopped basil and drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving.
Notes
- To store leftover Caprese pasta salad, place in an airtight container and refrigerate; it stays fresh up to 3 days.
- Use fresh mozzarella pearls for best texture; alternatively, chop a regular mozzarella ball into small cubes.
- The balsamic glaze can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Adjust honey in dressing and glaze to taste for sweetness preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
