top of page
Search

Elevated Eats: Basil Blueberry Moon & Honey Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad

It’s officially summer Moon Foodies! While I love the fall and winter no eating compares to summer eating. My favorite part - the bounty of herbs growing. This time of year herb beds become treasure troves of flavor. Summers favorite herb has to be Basil, she is Queen. Naturally, this month’s Elevated Eat’s star is Basil.


Look no further, you just found the pasta salad of summer 2025. I have taken a classic summer salad, Caprese, and turned it into the most delicious pasta salad. This pasta starts with a balsamic vinaigrette sweetened with Moon Honey. It is then tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and marinated mozzarella. It is delightful served warm, room temperature, or chilled. Excellent for transporting to all the events. The flavor only deepens with time. The dressing may be made in advance making this a breeze to throw together after a day in the sun.


Honey Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad

(3-4 servings)

Tacos with strawberries, cilantro, and sauce on a wooden board. A jar of red liquid and grilled lemon beside, on a strawberry-patterned cloth.

Ingredients for the pasta salad:

  • 1/2 pound of pasta

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, more for serving

  • 2/3 cup quartered cherry tomatoes

  • 1/2 cup diced fresh mozzarella (for marinated mozzarella, recipe below)

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, cut into ribbons

  • Honey Balsamic Dressing (recipe below)

  • Flaky Salt



Directions for the pasta salad:

  1. Place dressing in a large bowl and set aside.

  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

  3. Toss cooked pasta with the dressing and Parmesan cheese. Allow to cool 15-20 minutes, tossing occasionally.

  4. Once slightly cooled, toss in tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Season with flaky salt. Serve with more grated Parmesan.



Ingredients for the Marinated Mozzarella:

  • 1/2 cup diced (or pearls) fresh mozzarella

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1 garlic clove grated.


Directions for the Marinated Mozzarella: Chill covered for a minimum of 12 hours. Will keep in the refrigerator up to one week.


Directions for the Honey Balsamic Dressing: Combine 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 3 tablespoons Moon Honey, 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (more or less to taste), fresh cracked black pepper.


This dressing is delicious on any salad or grilled veggies.






Perfect pasta salad lunch idea!- this certainly calls for a refreshing drink!!

A hot day begs for a cold drink. While it is basil season. It is also blueberry season in the WV mountains. Nature grows the most delicious pairings for us. Basil Blueberry Moon starts with a basil simple syrup. Super easy, another item that may be made in advance so you have mocktails at the ready (summer is not for long hours in the kitchen).


Hint - another use for the basil simple syrup: to sweeten homemade whipped cream, for all the summer fruit…you’re welcome. 


The simple syrup muddled with fresh blueberries, Moon Mixer of choice and crisp lemon lime soda is just the refresher to relax into a summer evening. These go down smooth ideal for layering Moon Mixers to achieve your desired chill level.



Two pink drinks in elegant glasses, topped with cherries, on a white cloth surrounded by pink flowers and foliage. Small bottles nearby.

Basil Blueberry Moon

(For 2 drinks)*


Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

  • 1/4 cup basil simple syrup**

  • Moon Mixers of choice

  • Lemon lime soda

  • Sparkling water

  • Ice

  • Fresh blueberries and basil leaves for garnish


Directions:

In a cocktail shaker combine blueberries, simple syrup, Moon Mixers, 4 ounces lemon lime soda, and ice. Shake until very chilled. Divide between two ice filled glasses. For a sweeter drink fill the remainder of the glass with additional lemon lime soda, or for a lighter drink fill the remainder with sparkling water. Garnish with blueberries and basil leaves.



*This easily doubles/triples for a pitcher

**For the basil simple syrup. In a saucepan combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup basil leaves over medium heat. Continually stir until the sugar is dissolved, do not allow the mixture to come to a full boil - reduce heat if needed. Turn off heat and steep for 30-40 minutes. Remove basil and refrigerate for up to one week.









Enjoy the sun. Eat outside. Support a local farmers market. Savor the delicious tastes of summer. Until next time. Peace friends!


Comments

bottom of page