8ouncepackage of fresh mozzarella pearls(mini mozzarella balls)
2cups(1 ½ pints) of grape tomatoescut in half
1small bunch of fresh basilchopped and divided
Balsamic Dressing
¼cupextra virgin olive oil
¼cupbalsamic vinegar
3tbsphoney
2tspgrated garlicabout 2 cloves
0.6ouncepacket of Italian season dressing mix
Balsamic Glaze(for garnish)
½cupbalsamic vinegar
3tbsphoney
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl (or a pint size mason jar) combine all the ingredients for the balsamic dressing. Mix well and place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the rest of the pasta salad.
Cook pasta for 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and place cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
In the large mixing bowl, with the cooked pasta, add the halved grape tomatoes, package of mozzarella pearls, fresh chopped basil (reserving some of the basil for garnish) and ½ cup of the prepared balsamic dressing.
Mix all the pasta salad ingredients together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
While the pasta salad is chilling, make the balsamic glaze for the garnish, by combining the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan on the stove top. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture reduces by half. Transfer the glaze to a glass jar and allow to cool completely before drizzling it on the pasta salad just prior to serving.
Garnish the chilled pasta salad with the reserved chopped basil and the balsamic glaze.
Notes
Tips/Notes:
If you do not want to make your own balsamic dressing, feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand in place of the dressing in this recipe
Store extra balsamic dressing in the refrigerator in a lidded jar for up to 1 month. Use it as a marinade for chicken or on your favorite mixed greens salad
You can use the balsamic glaze to top fresh fruit and greek yogurt. Sprinkled it with toasted almonds to make a delicious snack
Briefly cooking the tomatoes on the stove makes their bright flavor pop. It also releases some juices that combine with the olive oil to turn into a light pasta sauce.
Mozzarella “pearls” are easy to find in most grocery stores (they are little mozzarella balls about the diameter of a dime). If you can’t find them, you can buy a standard mozzarella ball and tear it into smaller pieces, or cut any mid-sized mozzarella ball (Ciliegine) into smaller pieces.