Fresh No-Cook Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Balsamic Reduction
A quick and easy no-cook pasta salad combining fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a sweet balsamic reduction for a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for last-minute meals or summer picnics.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking pasta and balsamic reduction on stove) or 4 minutes (microwave balsamic reduction only)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli; pre-cooked or store-bought)
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup (6g) fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- If you don’t have pre-cooked pasta, cook 8 ounces (225g) of your favorite short pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Halve 1 cup (150g) of cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the pasta.
- Tear 8 ounces (225g) of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl.
- Tear or slice 1/4 cup (6g) of fresh basil leaves and toss gently into the bowl.
- Pour 1/2 cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar if desired. Heat on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency (about 8–10 minutes on the stove or 3–4 minutes in the microwave). Let it cool slightly.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the pasta mixture. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the salad. Optionally, add a little more fresh basil on top and toss gently or serve with the glaze artfully drizzled on top.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to meld flavors. Avoid preparing too far in advance to prevent mozzarella from releasing too much moisture.
Notes
Use pre-cooked or store-bought pasta to save time. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Vegan option: replace mozzarella with firm tofu or vegan cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the balsamic reduction. Prepare no more than an hour ahead to avoid mozzarella releasing moisture and pasta becoming mushy. Toss leftover pasta with olive oil before mixing to keep it loose.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 14
Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, no-cook pasta salad, balsamic reduction, fresh mozzarella salad, cherry tomato salad, easy summer salad, quick pasta salad