Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe
Looking for the ultimate summer pasta salad? Tortellini Caprese Salad is where classic Italian flavors meet irresistible pasta comfort in a single, colorful bowl. Imagine tender cheese tortellini tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all wrapped up in a zippy balsamic vinaigrette. You get the lively freshness of Caprese with the heartiness of pasta—perfect for picnics, cookouts, or a weeknight feast. Each bite bursts with vibrant flavor and textures, sure to delight family and friends alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Tortellini Caprese Salad comes from its short but perfectly picked ingredient list. Every element plays a role, from the pillowy tortellini to the sweet, tangy finish of balsamic glaze. Here’s how each ingredient adds its unique charm:
- Cheese tortellini (20 ounces): These tender, cheesy pasta parcels soak up flavor and make the salad extra satisfying.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy and sweet, they give a refreshing burst of color and moisture in every bite.
- Fresh mozzarella balls (8 ounces, halved): Creamy and mild, mozzarella is the heart of any classic Caprese, delivering soft, dreamy texture.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Basil infuses bright, fragrant herbal notes that lift and freshen the entire salad.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Rich and smooth—this forms the luxurious backbone of your homemade dressing.
- Balsamic glaze (1 tablespoon, plus more for drizzling): This thick, sweet tang brings authentic depth and a glossy finishing touch.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash of acidity balances the richness and wakes up the flavors.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of classic herbs adds a familiar, savory Italian essence.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the pasta and tying all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle heat to complement the salad’s bright and creamy profile.
How to Make Tortellini Caprese Salad
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil, then add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, just until they float and are tender—usually 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t overcook, or they’ll become mushy! Drain the tortellini and immediately rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process and keep them from sticking together. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
While the tortellini cool, halve your cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls, and chop plenty of fresh basil. These simple steps let the tomatoes release some of their juice, the mozzarella absorb the dressing, and the basil infuse every bite with its signature flavor. Add these straight to the bowl with the cooled tortellini.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well blended and glossy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this is your salad’s flavor bomb, so don’t skimp!
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Pour the tangy, aromatic dressing over your bowl of pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Gently toss everything with a large spoon or spatula, taking care not to break the delicate tortellini. The dressing should coat every ingredient, marrying the bold, zingy flavors with the creamy pasta.
Step 5: Chill and Finish
Cover your bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving—this allows all the flavors in your Tortellini Caprese Salad to fully mingle and the texture to firm up. Just before serving, give the salad a quick toss and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh basil for an extra pop of freshness and color.
How to Serve Tortellini Caprese Salad
Garnishes
A final flourish can take Tortellini Caprese Salad from delicious to show-stopping. Top with more fresh basil leaves, another drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even a scattering of toasted pine nuts for crunch. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds an extra zing.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile—pair it with warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up every bit of the dressing, or serve alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a more substantial meal. It shines next to a simple green salad or even a bowl of soup on a cooler day.
Creative Ways to Present
Tortellini Caprese Salad looks beautiful in a big, wide serving bowl or piled on a vibrant platter. For a fun twist at parties, try spooning the salad into individual jars or small Bowls for portable, pretty servings. It also makes a fantastic addition to a summer picnic spread topped with edible flowers or microgreens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tortellini Caprese Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors may become even more pronounced as the salad sits, but for the very best texture, wait to add extra basil and a balsamic drizzle until right before eating.
Freezing
While most pasta salads freeze reasonably well, Tortellini Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh. The cherry tomatoes and mozzarella don’t freeze beautifully—they can lose their texture and look watery once thawed. For make-ahead purposes, prepare the tortellini and dressing separately and assemble the salad just before serving.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’d like to take the chill off, simply let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. If adding cooked chicken or meat as a protein, those can be warmed separately and tossed in.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well in Tortellini Caprese Salad. Cook according to the package directions, rinse with cold water as usual, and continue with the recipe. Just check the texture to ensure it’s not overcooked.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
Feel free to make it your own—add sliced cucumbers, roasted red peppers, or even baby spinach for extra greens. If you want a bit of crunch, diced bell pepper or red onion both work well and bring extra vibrancy.
Can I make Tortellini Caprese Salad vegan?
You can! Look for vegan tortellini and dairy-free mozzarella-style cheese at specialty or health food stores. Swap the cheese and double-check that your dressing ingredients are vegan-friendly, and you’ll still have a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
Tortellini Caprese Salad is a superstar for meal prep—make it one day ahead for the freshest flavors. Just add the chopped basil and final balsamic drizzle right before serving to keep everything looking and tasting its best.
Can I use another type Salad
While tortellini is the star in Tortellini Caprese Salad, you can absolutely substitute with other stuffed pastas like ravioli, or even use bite-sized shapes like farfalle or penne. Stick with a shape that holds up well in salads and enjoy experimenting!
Final Thoughts
With its breezy prep and irresistible Italian flavors, Tortellini Caprese Salad deserves a regular spot on your table. It’s as delightful for a solo lunch as it is at a festive gathering, and I can’t wait for you to try it and see what all the fuss is about!
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Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tortellini Caprese Salad is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic Caprese salad, perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal. Filled with cheese tortellini, fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini:
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Salad Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Prepare Salad: Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil to the bowl with tortellini.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Serve: Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, consider tossing in grilled chicken or sliced salami.
- This salad can be made up to a day in advance, but add fresh basil and extra balsamic just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
