5-ingredient Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Bright and refreshing, the 5-Ingredient Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad combines strawberries, mozzarella, and balsamic for a delightful dish.

5-ingredient Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Treat your palate to the 5-Ingredient Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad, a refreshing twist on a classic favourite. With ripe strawberries, delicate mozzarella, and aromatic basil, finished with a luscious drizzle of balsamic glaze, this salad is the perfect no-mayo delight to brighten up any meal with a touch of sweetness and a hint of tang.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound dry pasta (I used farfalle)
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella, diced
• 1/2 cup loosely packed torn fresh basil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (I used DeLallo, but see instructions below for a homemade alternative)

INSTRUCTIONS

• Cook pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the pasta from cooking.
• Toss the pasta with the strawberries, mozzarella, and basil. Pour half of the pasta into a serving bowl, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
• Then pour the remaining half of the pasta on top, and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with extra basil if desired. Also, if the pasta seems to dry, you can toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil.

• *To make balsamic glaze homemade, whisk together 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar together in a small saucepan.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes or until reduced by half.
• Give it a taste. If you think it needs sweetening, stir in a few teaspoons of sugar or honey.

Serving Suggestions

• Grilled Chicken Breast
• Garlic Bread
• Arugula Salad
• Grilled Asparagus

Tips and Tricks

• If you don’t have a balsamic glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove while your pasta water is boiling.
• Once your pasta is cooked, rinse it in cold water immediately to stop the cooking process.
• While it’s intended to be served chilled, you can also serve this dish warm if preferred.
  This recipe is great for those who prefer to avoid mayonnaise in their pasta salad.