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, cut in half; 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 so fresh and vibrant about this Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe that makes it a standout at any meal. With juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and that irresistible balsamic drizzle, it’s the perfect dish to brighten your plate.

The image shows a close-up of a pasta salad featuring bowtie-shaped pasta as the main layer, cooked to a light yellow color with a slightly shiny texture. Mixed in throughout are bright red cherry tomatoes, some halved to show their seeds, adding vibrant color. Small white balls of mozzarella cheese are scattered evenly, creating a soft, smooth texture contrast. Finely chopped green basil leaves are sprinkled on top, adding fresh green touches across the dish. The pasta and ingredients are inside a white bowl with a subtle shine, resting on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon sits in the bowl, lifting some pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella, highlighting the colors and textures. 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 can’t get enough of this recipe—it’s an easy way to bring all those classic Caprese flavors into a fun pasta salad that both kids and adults adore. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, yet looks and tastes like something you’d get at a fancy Italian bistro.

Fresh ingredients: The combination of juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil is a juicy flavor bomb.
Balsamic glaze magic: That sweet, tangy balsamic reduction really takes this salad up a notch and makes it feel special.
Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, so it’s great for parties or meal prep.
Versatile and colorful: It doubles as a side dish or a light main, and the vibrant colors brighten up any table.

The image shows a white plate filled with farfalle pasta mixed with bright red cherry tomatoes, small white mozzarella balls, and thin strips of green basil scattered on top. There is a light drizzle of dark balsamic glaze over the pasta. A spoon holds a serving of the pasta mixture close to the camera, showing the pasta’s bowtie shape and the fresh tomato halves and whole mozzarella balls in clear detail. In the background, a glass bowl with more pasta and tomatoes sits on a white marbled surface, along with a small glass jar of dark balsamic sauce and a spoon inside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This salad relies on simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully—the creamy mozzarella cools down the bite from the tomatoes, while the basil and balsamic dressing bring everything together with herby freshness and a tangy-sweet kick. Here’s what you’ll need and a few tips for picking the best of each.

Flat lay of colorful grape tomatoes halved to show their juicy interiors, glossy fresh mozzarella pearls scattered gently, bright green fresh basil leaves and sprigs, perfectly cooked bow-tie pasta with a subtle sheen, a small glass jar of dark balsamic glaze with honey shimmering inside, golden honey droplets glistening nearby, and a few garlic cloves, all beautifully arranged with natural light highlighting their fresh textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Bow-tie or farfalle pasta: I like medium-sized bow ties—they catch the dressing and ingredients perfectly without overpowering each bite.
Fresh mozzarella pearls: These bite-sized mozzarella balls melt in your mouth, so choose the freshest you can find for the best creamy texture.
Grape tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and less watery than slicing big tomatoes, which helps keep your pasta salad from getting soggy.
Fresh basil: Fresh is a must here—skip dried for this one to keep the herbaceous punch alive.
Extra virgin olive oil: A good quality EVOO makes a noticeable difference in the dressing’s flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: Look for a fruity and rich balsamic for both the dressing and glaze to get that deep, sweet tang.
Honey: This balances the acidity of the vinegar with a touch of natural sweetness.
Garlic: Freshly grated garlic brightens the dressing and adds a gentle bite without overpowering.
Italian seasoning mix: An easy shortcut that packs in all those classic Mediterranean herbs in a pinch.

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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

One thing I absolutely love about the Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your mood or what’s in season. Whether you want to add a little zip, swap out ingredients, or make it vegan-friendly, it’s a super forgiving recipe.

Variation: I sometimes toss in some sliced avocado for a buttery texture boost—totally yum and adds a lovely color contrast!
Dietary tweak: For a vegan version, swap the mozzarella for cubes of firm tofu or dairy-free cheese, and double up on the basil for extra freshness.
Seasonal change: When grape tomatoes aren’t at their best, cherry tomatoes or diced heirlooms work great too.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing wakes things up nicely if you like a bit of heat.

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

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Perfect Al Dente

Start by boiling your pasta according to the box instructions—usually about 10 minutes for bow-ties or farfalle. I like to test early and often starting at the 8-minute mark so the pasta stays perfectly al dente and doesn’t get mushy when mixed later. Drain it well and toss it into a large bowl to cool.

Step 2: Whip Up the Zesty Balsamic Dressing

While the pasta cooks, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, freshly grated garlic, and Italian seasoning mix in a bowl. Whisk until everything is emulsified—this dressing is the glue holding your salad together, so make sure it’s well mixed! Then pop it in the fridge to chill while you prep the rest.

Step 3: Toss Together the Salad Ingredients

In your big bowl with the just-cooled pasta, add halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil, saving a bit of basil for garnish. Pour in about half a cup of the chilled balsamic dressing and gently toss everything together so all the pieces get a nice coating.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Marry

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours. I’ve found letting it rest gives that balsamic dressing time to soak into the pasta and ingredients, creating richer, melded flavors you can really taste.

Step 5: Make the Balsamic Glaze for the Finishing Touch

While the salad chills, stir together balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until it’s thick and syrupy—watch carefully so it doesn't burn! Transfer it to a jar and cool completely before drizzling it artistically over the salad.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the reserved fresh basil on top and drizzle with your homemade balsamic glaze for that beautiful shiny finish and intense flavor burst.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really help this pasta salad shine every time. The right pasta texture and patience with chilling make a world of difference.

Don’t skip chilling: Trust me, I used to rush this step—giving the salad time to rest lets the dressing and flavors marry and become irresistible.
Choose the right pasta size: Medium bow-ties or farfalle hold onto dressing well without getting soggy, and they make perfect little bite-sized parcels for the ingredients.
Simmer, don’t boil glaze: Keep the heat medium-low and watch the balsamic glaze closely to avoid burning—it should become syrupy but not bitter.
Use fresh garlic: Grated fresh garlic adds just the right hint of punch—you want it mild and fragrant, not overpowering.

How to Serve Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Caprese pasta salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always add extra fresh basil leaves and a few cracked black pepper twists on top just before serving. Sometimes a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts gives a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a fuller meal, or alongside crusty garlic bread for a laid-back lunch. It also shines at potlucks next to kebabs or roasted veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this salad in mini glass jars layered with alternating pasta and mozzarella, topped with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprig of basil—instantly elegant and super cute for guests to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh batch, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days—just give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the fresh mozzarella’s texture and tomatoes don’t freeze well, but the balsamic glaze can be frozen separately in an airtight container for a month or so.

Reheating

This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If needed, just let it sit out for 20 minutes after coming out of the fridge; avoid reheating to preserve its fresh texture and flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after chilling for a couple of hours or even overnight, as the dressing has time to soak into the pasta and blend the flavors. Just be sure to cover it tightly.

What’s the best pasta to use for Caprese Pasta Salad?

Medium-sized bow-tie (farfalle) pasta is a great choice because its shape catches the dressing and other ingredients well without becoming mushy. You can also use penne or rotini if needed.

How do I make the balsamic glaze?

Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small pan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half. Be careful to keep the heat medium-low so it doesn’t burn. Once cooled, it’s ready to drizzle over the salad.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the mozzarella pearls with a plant-based cheese or firm tofu cubes and ensure your balsamic glaze and dressing ingredients are vegan-friendly. Fresh basil and tomatoes will keep the caprese vibes intact.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes that always brings a little sunshine to my table. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly simple—but the balsamic glaze really elevates it to something memorable. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do and find your own ways to customize and share it with friends and family. Trust me, it’s a keeper!