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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Burrata and Balsamic Glaze

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A fresh and creamy Caprese pasta salad featuring short pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, burrata cheese, and a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. This easy recipe is perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or penne
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 pint (about 300 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (25 g) fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 8 oz (225 g) burrata cheese, drained and torn into pieces
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of your chosen short pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander. To keep the pasta from clumping, you can rinse it briefly with cool water or toss it immediately with a drizzle of olive oil. Let it cool slightly, about 5 minutes—warm but not hot is ideal for blending flavors.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, tear the fresh basil leaves into bite-sized pieces, and gently tear the burrata into chunks. If garlic is used, mince finely.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic (if using), salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta, halved tomatoes, and torn basil. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if you want a looser, silkier texture.
  6. Just before serving, fold in the creamy burrata pieces carefully so they don’t break down too much. Drizzle 2 tbsp balsamic glaze over the top for that signature tangy-sweet finish.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or chill for up to an hour to let flavors meld.

Notes

Handle burrata gently to keep creamy pockets intact. Use balsamic glaze for a richer, less acidic finish; if unavailable, reduce balsamic vinegar with honey or sugar until syrupy. Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain texture. Toss tomatoes and basil with dressing first for a vibrant salad. Add flaky sea salt before serving for extra crunch and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, burrata pasta salad, balsamic glaze salad, easy pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, fresh basil pasta salad, cherry tomato pasta salad

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-burrata-and-balsamic-glaze/