Quick Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A refreshing and easy pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, tossed in a light balsamic glaze dressing perfect for summer meals. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs penne pasta, 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 350 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz, halved fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder to make the dressing.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 8 oz halved fresh mozzarella balls, and 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 Quick 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 Quick 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 Quick 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 Quick 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.
