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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Side Dish

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A quick and easy Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad with balsamic glaze that combines cooked pasta, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil for a bright, fresh, and crowd-pleasing summer side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) short pasta like penne or rotini
  • 2 cups (300 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces (225 g) fresh mozzarella, torn or cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water.
  2. Transfer warm pasta to a large bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over it and toss gently to coat.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 2 cups (300 g) of cherry tomatoes and tear 8 ounces (225 g) of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Tear about 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and add to the bowl with pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the salad feels dry.
  6. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the salad and toss gently to coat everything without bruising the ingredients.
  7. Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld. Optionally chill and bring back to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Toss salad while pasta is warm to slightly melt mozzarella. Tear basil leaves instead of chopping to keep them vibrant. Adjust balsamic glaze amount to taste. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with avocado or vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, basil, quick recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-summer-side-dish/