Go Back
The Caprese salad, a staple of Italian cuisine, hails from the idyllic island of Capri, located in the Gulf of Naples. This simple dish reflects the colors of the Italian flag, featuring fresh tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil. It embodies the essence of Italian cooking: utilizing high-quality, fresh ingredients to create something extraordinary. Over the years, this classic salad has inspired numerous adaptations, including our delightful Caprese Pasta Salad, which marries the traditional flavors with the satisfying texture of pasta.

Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Experience the essence of summer with our Caprese Pasta Salad Delight. This vibrant dish combines fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil with hearty farfalle pasta, creating a flavorful and satisfying salad perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and bursting with nutrition, this salad captures the spirit of Italian cuisine. Dive into the recipe to explore its origins, learn preparation tips, and discover delicious variations for a refreshing dining experience.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta

8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic glaze

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and the minced garlic. Whisk the mixture vigorously until all ingredients are integrated and smooth. Taste the dressing and season with salt and pepper as desired.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved mozzarella balls, halved cherry tomatoes, and roughly chopped basil leaves. Gently fold the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution without breaking the mozzarella.

        Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Using a spatula or tongs, toss the salad gently to ensure that the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.

          Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to marry and enhances the overall taste of the salad.

            Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and taste it to see if any additional salt or pepper is needed. If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

              - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, shallow bowl for a family-style presentation, or divide into individual serving plates. Garnish each portion with a fresh basil leaf and an additional drizzle of balsamic glaze to make it visually appealing.