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Creamy Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

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A light and fresh creamy Caprese pasta salad featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer picnics or quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • For the creamy dressing:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (light preferred)
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the balsamic glaze:
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
  2. While pasta cooks, combine ½ cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced by half, about 10-12 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Roughly chop the basil. Toss these in a large bowl to mix flavors.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the creamy dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top carefully.
  7. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Be patient when reducing balsamic vinegar to avoid burning. Add basil last to keep it fresh and vibrant. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Use dairy-free alternatives for a vegan version and gluten-free pasta if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, balsamic glaze, summer salad, easy pasta salad, Italian salad, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/creamy-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-balsamic-glaze-mix/