Name: Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounce box bow-tie or farfalle pasta (medium size #66), cooked and drained; 8 ounce package fresh mozzarella pearls (mini mozzarella balls); 2 cups (1 ½ pints) grape tomatoes, halved; 1 small bunch fresh basil, chopped and divided; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; ⅛ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons grated garlic (about 2 cloves); 0.6 ounce packet Italian seasoning dressing mix; ½ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey

There’s something incredibly refreshing about the combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and that punch of basil—throw in some perfectly cooked pasta and a sweet tangy drizzle of balsamic glaze, and you’ve got a winner. This Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe is a total game-changer for potlucks, summer dinners, or anytime you want a vibrant dish that feels like sunshine on a plate.

This image shows a close-up of a pasta salad featuring three main layers. The bottom layer is made of bowtie pasta with a light yellow color and a smooth texture. On top of the pasta, there are halved bright red cherry tomatoes scattered evenly. Small white mozzarella balls are mixed throughout, adding a soft and round shape. Fresh green basil pieces, thinly sliced, are spread across the salad, adding a pop of color and texture. A silver spoon is holding some pasta, a cherry tomato, and mozzarella, placed near the center of the image. The dish is set against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe, it instantly became a family favorite. The balance of fresh ingredients with that sweetened balsamic glaze is just perfect. It’s fancy enough to impress but simple enough to whip up any day.

Fresh and Flavorful: Using fresh mozzarella pearls and garden-fresh basil brightens the entire salad.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: It actually tastes better after chilling, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.
Sweet and Tangy Balance: The homemade balsamic glaze adds that extra zing you won’t want to skip.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Works beautifully as a side or a light meal, and most people love it!

The image shows a white plate filled with a cold pasta salad made of light yellow bow tie pasta as the base layer. On top are bright red cherry tomatoes, some whole and some sliced in half, scattered across the pasta. Small round white mozzarella balls are mixed throughout, adding a creamy contrast. Thin green strips of fresh basil are sprinkled over everything. A dark brown balsamic glaze is drizzled slightly over the top, adding a shiny texture. In the background on a white marbled surface, there is a clear glass bowl with more pasta salad and a small jar with dark balsamic sauce and a spoon inside. A spoon is holding a scoop of the salad, showing all layers up close. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe plays a crucial role. The fresh mozzarella and basil bring authentic Italian flavors, while the pasta carries it all without overwhelming. The balsamic components tie everything together in a sweet-tart harmony that’s totally addictive.

Flat lay of cooked bow-tie pasta, fresh mozzarella pearls, halved grape tomatoes, bright green chopped basil leaves, a small jar of glossy balsamic glaze, a drizzle of golden honey, and a bottle of rich extra virgin olive oil, all beautifully arranged in harmony with vibrant colors and fresh textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Bow-tie or farfalle pasta: Its shape holds onto the dressing and bits of tomato and mozzarella perfectly.
Fresh mozzarella pearls: These tender little cheese balls melt in your mouth and add creamy bursts of flavor.
Grape tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, especially when halved to spread flavor in every bite.
Fresh basil: Chopped fresh basil delivers that peppery, herbal freshness that’s key to any Caprese-inspired dish.
Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality oil here to add richness and smoothness to your dressing.
Balsamic vinegar: Provides the signature tang that’s both bright and deep, especially in the glaze.
Honey: Balances acidity with just the right touch of sweetness, both in dressing and glaze.
Grated garlic: Adds a subtle kick to the dressing without overpowering the other flavors.
Italian seasoning mix: A blend of herbs that rounds out the dressing with classic Mediterranean vibes.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around with this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe more times than I can count, and it’s fun to tweak it based on what I have or the season. Don’t hesitate to personalize it, especially if you want to switch things up for your taste buds.

Variation: I love adding some toasted pine nuts or chopped artichoke hearts for extra texture and flavor – it gives it a nice crunch or tidbit of savory goodness.
Vegan version: Swap out mozzarella for marinated tofu or vegan cheese balls, and you'll still get that creamy texture without dairy.
Seasonal twist: Try using heirloom tomatoes in summer, or toss in roasted red peppers when tomatoes aren’t in season for a colorful flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your bow-tie or farfalle pasta according to the package directions, usually about 10 minutes until al dente. Don’t overcook it because you want that bite to hold up well when it chills in the fridge. Once cooked, drain it thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl – I like to spread it out so it cools faster and doesn’t get mushy.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Balsamic Dressing

While the pasta cooks, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, grated garlic, and the Italian seasoning packet in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until everything is emulsified and starts to thicken slightly. Pop this in the fridge to chill while you prep the rest—this chilling step lets the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 3: Build the Salad Base

Add your halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and most of your chopped basil into the pasta bowl. Pour in about half a cup of the chilled balsamic dressing and give everything a gentle toss with a large spoon or your hands – just enough to coat while keeping the ingredients intact.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Marinate

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting time is key—the flavors really meld together, the tomatoes soften slightly, and the pasta soaks in the tangy dressing.

Step 5: Make the Balsamic Glaze

While your salad chills, make the balsamic glaze garnish. Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, letting it reduce by half. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn, about 15-20 minutes. When it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, take it off the heat and let it cool completely.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining fresh basil over the chilled salad and drizzle your homemade balsamic glaze generously on top. This glaze adds a glossy, sweet finish that makes every bite pop.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe countless times, a few small tweaks make a big difference to flavor and texture. Here are some tips that saved my salad from bland or soggy disasters.

Cooking Pasta: Always salt your boiling water well and don’t overcook pasta—it should be firm to the bite since it softens while chilling.
Dressing Rest Time: Chill the balsamic dressing before combining it with the pasta salad to enhance melded flavors.
Glaze Consistency: Watch the balsamic reduction carefully to avoid burning; it should be thick but still pourable for drizzling.
Basil Freshness: Add most of the basil before chilling, but reserve some fresh leaves to garnish at the end — it keeps that bright pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Caprese Pasta Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this pasta salad with a handful of freshly chopped basil right before serving — the aroma just elevates the whole dish. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a subtle heat, and if I’m feeling indulgent, a little fresh shaved Parmesan never hurts.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp when I want a heartier meal. For a casual get-together, some crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad rounds things out perfectly without overpowering the Caprese flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe in clear glass bowls layered with fresh basil leaves for a pretty presentation. Another fun idea is to serve individual portions in small jars or cups, putting a drizzle of the balsamic glaze on top right before serving for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and this Caprese Pasta Salad keeps well for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, and if the salad seems a bit dry, a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar freshens it right up.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because fresh mozzarella and tomatoes don’t fare well after thawing—they get watery and lose texture. Best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. If you do prefer it a bit warmer, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off, but I’d avoid heating it in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! Bow-tie or farfalle pasta is traditional because it holds onto the dressing well, but you can also use rotini, penne, or even mini shells. Just stick to medium-size pasta so it doesn’t overwhelm the fresh ingredients.

How do I make the balsamic glaze without it being too runny?

Reducing the balsamic vinegar and honey mixture slowly over medium-low heat causes it to thicken nicely. When the glaze coats the back of a spoon and doesn’t drip immediately, it has reached the perfect consistency. Cooling it completely before drizzling also helps it set just right.

Can I prepare the dressing and glaze ahead of time?

Yes! Both the balsamic dressing and glaze can be made a day in advance. Store the dressing in the refrigerator in a sealed jar and the glaze in a small container at room temperature or the fridge once cooled. This makes assembly quick and easy on the day you serve.

What’s the best way to keep the pasta salad fresh for a party?

I recommend assembling the salad a few hours before the event and chilling it well. Keep the balsamic glaze separate until just before serving so it looks fresh and vibrant. If transporting, keep it cool and give it a gentle toss at the venue before plating.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe feels like a little slice of Italy in my kitchen every time I make it. It’s simple, fresh, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—just imagine sharing it with friends on a sun-soaked afternoon or bringing it to your next gathering and soaking up all those “Wow, what’s this?” compliments.