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To make a tasty Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze, you need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s the complete list: - 8 oz. penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1/4 cup balsamic glaze - 1 clove garlic, finely minced - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a bright, fresh, and colorful dish. The penne pasta serves as a hearty base. Cherry tomatoes add juicy sweetness, while mozzarella brings creamy texture. Fresh basil leaves give a fragrant kick. Extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze blend to form a rich dressing. The minced garlic adds depth and flavor. Finally, salt and pepper enhance the overall taste. This recipe is simple yet full of flavor. You can find the full recipe in the previous section. - Bring water to a boil. - Cook penne until al dente (8-10 minutes). - Drain and cool the pasta. Cooking pasta is simple. First, fill a large pot with water and add salt. The salt helps the pasta flavor. Once the water boils, add the penne. Stir it to keep it from sticking. Cook until it's al dente. You want it to have a slight bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander. Rinse the pasta with cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down. - Combine pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella. - Gently mix to combine. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta. Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. The tomatoes give a sweet burst. The mozzarella adds creaminess. Stir gently with a spatula. You want to mix it well, but be careful not to break the mozzarella. - Incorporate torn basil leaves. - Prepare and whisk together the dressing ingredients. - Toss the salad with the dressing. Now, it’s time for the fresh herbs. Tear the basil leaves into pieces and fold them into the pasta mix. This keeps their color bright and flavor fresh. Next, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together. Make sure each piece gets a nice coating. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your Caprese pasta salad! To get perfect al dente pasta, start with a big pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add the penne and cook for 8-10 minutes. Check it often. It should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking. Cooling the pasta is key. It helps the salad stay fresh and taste great. Serve your pasta salad in a large, clear bowl. This shows off the bright colors. Add some whole basil leaves on top. Drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze for that special touch. This makes it look fancy and appetizing. Choose a good balsamic glaze. Look for one that is thick and sweet. This adds depth to your salad. You can also try adding spices. Fresh oregano or thyme can give it a nice twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat, too. Don't be afraid to play with flavors! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. {{image_4}} You can swap out the penne pasta for other shapes. Fusilli, farfalle, or even rotini work well. Each shape holds the sauce differently, adding fun to your dish. For mozzarella, you can use feta or goat cheese. These cheeses give a tangy twist to your Caprese pasta salad. Want to make your salad heartier? Add grilled chicken or shrimp. Both options are tasty and add protein. If you prefer a vegetarian choice, try chickpeas or black beans. For a vegan twist, use tofu or tempeh. These proteins make the salad filling and satisfying. Change up your salad with the seasons. In summer, add fresh corn or zucchini. In fall, try roasted butternut squash or kale. These seasonal veggies enhance flavor and nutrition. Rotating ingredients keeps your salad exciting and fresh all year long. To keep your Caprese pasta salad fresh, place leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal in flavor and moisture. Glass or plastic containers work well, but glass has the bonus of being eco-friendly. Make sure to cover the salad tightly to prevent it from drying out. Before serving, check the salad for freshness. If it seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or balsamic glaze. This helps bring back the salad's flavor and moisture. You can store the salad safely in the fridge for up to three days. After that, it might lose its taste and texture. Enjoy your Caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze! You can find the full recipe above. To cook pasta for a salad, start with boiling water. Use a large pot and add salt. Once the water boils, add the penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which usually takes 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps the pasta firm and fresh for your salad. Yes, you can make Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time. To keep it fresh, prepare the salad and store it in the fridge. It’s best to add the dressing just before serving. This will help the pasta and ingredients stay crisp. If you make it too early, the tomatoes might become mushy. A good rule is to prepare it no more than a day in advance. If you don't have balsamic glaze, you have options. You can use balsamic vinegar instead but add a bit of sugar for sweetness. Another choice is to make a simple glaze at home. Combine balsamic vinegar and honey over low heat. Simmer it until it thickens. This will mimic the glaze’s sweet and tangy flavor. This blog post covered all you need to know about making a Caprese Pasta Salad. We discussed key ingredients, simple steps, and tips for the best taste and look. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. Feel free to get creative with variations and protein choices. Storing leftovers properly keeps your salad delicious. Enjoy crafting this tasty dish that suits any dining occasion!

Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Elevate your summer meals with a refreshing Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze! This vibrant dish combines al dente penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics or family gatherings, it's as easy to make as it is delicious.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic glaze

1 clove garlic, finely minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it briefly under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool it down.

    Prepare the Salad Base: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella balls. Use a spatula to mix gently, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.

      Add Fresh Herbs: Take the torn basil leaves and gently fold them into the pasta mixture. Be cautious during this step to avoid bruising the delicate leaves, which will preserve their vibrant color and fresh flavor.

        Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, finely minced garlic, balsamic glaze, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes well emulsified, creating a smooth and flavorful dressing.

          Toss the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together using tongs or a large spoon. Your goal is to ensure that every piece of pasta and ingredient is thoroughly coated in the delightful dressing.

            Chill and Serve: Once tossed, cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to a serving dish with a lid, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, you may present it chilled or at room temperature. For an added touch of flavor, drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze over the top right before serving.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a large glass bowl to showcase its colorful ingredients. Garnish with a few whole basil leaves on top and an additional drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant presentation.