If you’re searching for the ultimate summer pasta salad, look no further than Tortellini Caprese Salad. This vibrant dish stars pillowy cheese tortellini tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all brought together with a tangy balsamic dressing. Colorful, cool, and incredibly satisfying, it’s a crowd-pleaser for backyard barbecues, easy lunches, or those days when you want a meal that’s equal parts fresh and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Tortellini Caprese Salad is that it calls for just a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in creating mouthwatering flavors, creamy textures, and a burst of color in every bite. A quick trip to the grocery store is all you need—no fancy equipment, no elaborate prep work; just quality basics.
- Cheese tortellini (1 20-ounce package, refrigerated or frozen): The soft, cheesy pasta is the perfect base, adding satisfying richness to the salad.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These sweet, juicy bites bring a pop of color and freshness that balances the cheese and pasta.
- Fresh mozzarella balls (8 ounces bocconcini or ciliegine, halved): Creamy, mild, and tender—they soak up the dressing and pair beautifully with the tomatoes and basil.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, chopped or torn): Don’t skip the basil! It adds an herbal brightness and elevates the salad to something truly special.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for rich flavor and a silky finish.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): This brings tang and depth, balancing the creaminess of the cheese.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A sprinkle of dried herbs ties everything together with subtle savory notes.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and rounds out all the other flavors; adjust to taste if needed.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth and complexity. Freshly cracked is best!
How to Make Tortellini Caprese Salad
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes if using the refrigerated kind. You want the pasta to be just tender—al dente is perfect, so it holds together in the salad. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water; this stops the cooking and cools the pasta for salad assembly.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
While the tortellini is cooling, halve your cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Tear or chop the basil leaves for maximum flavor—you can’t beat the burst of freshness they add. Gather everything in a large mixing bowl, ready for the main event.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This zippy, aromatic dressing will both brighten and unify all the salad’s elements. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like; a little extra balsamic is always welcome for tang lovers!
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Now, in your big mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini to the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until every piece is beautifully coated. Don’t overmix—you want to keep the mozzarella and tortellini nice and intact.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and let the Tortellini Caprese Salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15 to 30 minutes. This short rest allows the flavors to mingle and deepen. Right before serving, give it a final gentle toss and get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Tortellini Caprese Salad
Garnishes
A scatter of freshly torn basil and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving elevate the salad both visually and aromatically. If you want more zing, a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds gorgeous shine and extra depth. For a punch of color, throw on a handful of microgreens or even edible flowers.
Side Dishes
Tortellini Caprese Salad is outstanding on its own but shines as part of a larger spread. Pair it with crusty Italian bread, grilled vegetables, or simple grilled chicken for a sunny meal. It’s also a fantastic companion for anything coming off the grill, from shrimp skewers to steak, and fits perfectly into any picnic or potluck.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, consider serving the salad in individual mason jars for picnics or packing into lettuce cups for a fun party platter. Skewer tortellini, tomato, mozzarella, and basil onto short sticks for kid-friendly kabobs. You can even layer the ingredients in a trifle bowl or large platter, letting the vibrant jewel tones of Tortellini Caprese Salad steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. The Tortellini Caprese Salad will keep well for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors continue to develop, so the salad gets even more delicious overnight.
Freezing
Generally, this salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter the texture of both the tortellini and mozzarella. If you must freeze, do so before tossing with the fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, then add those after thawing, but for best results, simply make as much as you’ll use within a few days.
Reheating
Tortellini Caprese Salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’d like it less cold straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated or frozen?
Absolutely! Dried tortellini will work if that’s what’s available, though the texture is slightly firmer. Cook it carefully and check early for doneness, then proceed as usual for your Tortellini Caprese Salad.
What proteins pair well with Tortellini Caprese Salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even prosciutto make excellent protein-boosting additions. Simply add your choice to the salad or serve alongside for a more filling meal.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
If you want a dairy-free variation, use your favorite dairy-free tortellini and swap in a plant-based mozzarella alternative. The flavors will still be fresh and lively!
How do I keep the basil from turning brown?
Add the basil just before serving for maximum freshness, or toss it with a bit of olive oil in advance. This helps keep the leaves vibrant and beautiful throughout your meal.
Is Tortellini Caprese Salad kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the fun bite-sized pasta and mild mozzarella. If you have selective eaters, you can also serve the components separately so everyone gets their favorites.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about sharing a big bowl of Tortellini Caprese Salad with the people you love. Light, colorful, and full of flavor, it brings a touch of Italian sunshine to any table. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised when it becomes your new warm-weather go-to!
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Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Tortellini Caprese Salad that combines cheese-filled tortellini with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, all dressed in a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a summer side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Tortellini:
- 1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini, refrigerated or frozen
Salad:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat. Chill for 15-30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or balsamic glaze for variety
- Best served chilled or at room temperature
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
