Name: Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 oz fresh mozzarella, diced; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and simple preparation. With its tangy balsamic dressing, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this dish captures the essence of a classic Caprese salad with the heartiness of pasta. It’s light, refreshing, and ideal for warm weather, potlucks, or as a delicious side dish for your favorite meals. In just 20 minutes, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor, and it’s easy to adjust for your preferences.

The pasta acts as a base for this bright, summery salad, offering a satisfying texture that complements the juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Drizzling it with balsamic vinegar and olive oil adds depth and a touch of sweetness, making each bite burst with flavor. Whether served as a side dish or a main course for lunch, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: This salad is packed with fresh and vibrant ingredients, including sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil.
Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of total prep time, this is a simple, no-fuss recipe for busy days.
Healthy and Light: It’s a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather or a lighter meal option.
Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or as a main course for a delicious lunch.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad stores well and can be made ahead of time for an easy, tasty meal during the week.

Ingredients

Pasta
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella
Fresh basil
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Variations

Add Protein: For a more filling dish, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas.
Swap Cheese: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, try substituting with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor.
Vegetables: Add some sliced cucumbers, red onions, or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Vegan Version: For a vegan option, omit the mozzarella and replace it with avocado or a plant-based cheese alternative.
Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or oregano for variety.

How to Make the Recipe

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the fresh mozzarella, and chop the basil into small pieces.
Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until combined.
Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill for Flavors to Marinate: For the best flavor, let the pasta salad sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to soak into the ingredients.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it holds up well in the salad and doesn’t become mushy.
Use High-Quality Olive Oil and Vinegar: Since the dressing is simple, using high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar can make a big difference in the flavor.

How to Serve

Chilled: This salad is best served chilled, making it a great make-ahead dish for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks.
As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, fish, or a vegetarian main course.
As a Light Main Dish: This salad works well on its own for a light lunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It may lose some of its crunch as it sits, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh ingredients, especially the tomatoes and mozzarella.
Reheating: This salad is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. Enjoy it cold right from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle, depending on your preference.
Can I use balsamic glaze instead of vinegar? Yes, balsamic glaze works well for a sweeter version of the dressing, but you may want to reduce the amount to avoid overwhelming the salad with sweetness.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It’s actually better if the flavors have time to marinate.
How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge? This salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Can I add grilled chicken or shrimp to this pasta salad? Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be added to turn this salad into a more filling meal.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil? Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with dried basil. Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with feta, goat cheese, or any other cheese you like.
Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, simply omit the mozzarella and replace it with a vegan cheese or avocado.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy? Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process immediately after draining.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Feel free to add in some cucumbers, red onions, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

This Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and easy preparation. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with all the right ingredients for a crowd-pleasing dish that can be served as a side or a light meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a picnic, a potluck, or just a weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is sure to become a go-to recipe. Enjoy the bright, tangy flavors and the simple yet satisfying combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil!