Classic Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing pasta salad combining al dente penne, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, finished with a sweet balsamic glaze. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs penne pasta, pint, halved cherry tomatoes, halved fresh mozzarella balls for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a glaze. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 8 oz halved fresh mozzarella balls, and 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves to the cooled pasta.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil over the salad, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the pasta salad for a sweet tangy finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Classic Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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