Balsamic Pasta Salad Caprese Recipe

You know that moment when you crave something fresh, delicious, and a little fancy without putting in too much effort? This Balsamic Pasta Salad Caprese is basically your new best friend in the kitchen—easy to make, vibrant in color, and bursting with flavor that screams Italian summer vibes!

I enjoy making clean, bright, and vibrant recipes, and my Balsamic Pasta Salad Caprese is a perfect representation of that. This dish combines the juicy sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the creamy texture of fresh mozzarella, and when you add in the fresh basil and a zesty balsamic vinaigrette, it really ups the ante in both flavor and nutritional value.

You’re getting a delightful mix of textures, a great balance of tastes, and a meal that’s full of all sorts of essential vitamins and healthy fats.

Balsamic Pasta Salad Caprese Recipe Ingredients

• Rotini Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy; a staple base for the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C; adds sweetness and acidity.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Source of calcium and protein; offers creamy texture.
• Fresh Basil: Rich in vitamin K; enhances flavor with herbal notes.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy, sweet depth; contains antioxidants.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Healthy fats; lends richness and enhances flavors.
• Honey: Natural sweetness; balances the acidity of vinegar.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth; contains beneficial compounds for health.

Balsamic Pasta Salad Caprese Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this Balsamic Pasta Salad Caprese Recipe

1. Prepare the rotini pasta according to the package directions, cooking it until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it in cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside.

2. In a tiny bowl, blend the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic together until they are completely united. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and mix again.

3. In a big mixing bowl, put together the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes cut in half, and fresh mozzarella balls cut in half.

4. Drizzle the pasta salad ingredients with balsamic dressing.

5. Softly toss the salad until all the ingredients are dressed and ready to eat.

6. Fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped, should be added to the salad and tossed again so that it is thoroughly incorporated. Then serve.

7. Try the salad and fine-tune the taste with any extra salt and pepper it may require.

8. Allow the flavors to meld together and let the pasta salad sit for a minimum of 10-15 minutes.

9. Prior to serving, provide the salad one final, gentle toss to ensure that the dressing and other ingredients are once again evenly distributed.

10. Serve the Balsamic Pasta Salad Caprese at a delightful chill or room temperature as a side dish or a light main course.

Balsamic Pasta Salad Caprese Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Small mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Cutting board
7. Chef’s knife
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Wooden spoon or salad tongs

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Certainly, any small pasta such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle will be well suited to this salad.
• Is there an alternative to fresh mozzarella balls?If bocconcini isn’t available, you can use cubed mozzarella cheese.
• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?Just swap out the rotini pasta for pasta made from gluten-free ingredients.
• Can I prepare this salad in advance?You can indeed prepare it up to a day in advance. Just make sure to add the basil right before serving to maintain its freshness.
• What if I don’t have fresh basil?Basil that has been dried can be employed when fresh is not available (and indeed, it may be most useful here, given the likelihood that the dish you are preparing will not contain more than the scant tablespoon needed of dried herbs). Use it in good faith, but oh-so-gently, for the dried herb packs a greater flavor punch.
• Can I omit the honey in the dressing?Certainly, you may omit the honey. However, its absence might be felt in the next batch of salad dressing, as honey adds a touch of sweetness that helps balance the acidity of the vinegar.

Balsamic Pasta Salad Caprese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substituting Pasta: Fusilli or penne can be used in place of rotini for a texture that is almost exactly the same.
Cheese Substitution: Swap out fresh mozzarella balls for feta cheese, and give your dish a tangy twist.
Substituting basil: For fresh basil leaves, substitute peppery arugula.
Red wine vinegar: For a lighter, less sweet flavor, substitute balsamic vinegar with this.
Agave nectar or maple syrup can be substituted for honey to make a vegan option.

Pro Tips

1. Opt for High-Quality Ingredients Since this salad has simple ingredients, using high-quality balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil will enhance the overall flavor. Opt for fresh, aromatic basil and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best taste.

2. Enhanced Dressing Consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or zest to the dressing for an extra layer of freshness and complexity. The citrus notes can elevate the dish and balance the sweetness from the honey.

3. Pasta Texture Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will absorb the dressing better without becoming mushy. After rinsing, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over it to prevent sticking while it cools.

4. Marinate Mozzarella Before adding to the salad, marinate the mozzarella balls in the balsamic dressing for about 15 minutes. This will infuse them with flavor, making each bite more delicious.

5. Pre-chill Ingredients For an extra refreshing salad, pre-chill the mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and even the serving bowl in the fridge. This will help keep the salad cool and enhance its taste, especially when serving on warm days.