Simple Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A refreshing pasta salad combining cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil tossed with penne and drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 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 320 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup, halved fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup halved fresh mozzarella balls, and 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves.
- Step 3: Drizzle 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over the salad. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 4: Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle 2 tbsp balsamic glaze evenly over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 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 Simple 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 Simple 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 Simple 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 Simple 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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