Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad

Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad is a light, fresh, and vibrant dish that combines the delicious flavors of a classic Caprese salad with the hearty texture of cheese-filled tortellini. This pasta salad is the perfect side dish or a light main course for a summer picnic, barbecue, or potluck. With the creaminess of fresh mozzarella, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the zing of balsamic glaze, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad is the ideal blend of fresh ingredients and rich flavors. The cheese tortellini provides a satisfying bite, while the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella give it that signature Caprese flavor. Tossed in a simple yet flavorful dressing with basil, olive oil, and a hint of balsamic, it’s light, refreshing, and packed with taste. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead, making it a perfect option for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 package (about 9 oz) cheese tortellini
• 1 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes for fresh tortellini. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and chopped basil.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor (optional) and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6

Total Time: 15 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Variations

Add protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sliced turkey.

Use different pasta: You can swap the tortellini for other pasta types, such as penne or rotini, if preferred.

Go vegan: Replace the mozzarella with dairy-free cheese to make this salad vegan-friendly.

Add veggies: Toss in some cucumber, red onion, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.

Use a pesto dressing: For a more vibrant twist, swap the balsamic vinegar dressing for a fresh pesto dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer, you can bring it to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad is great for making ahead! Prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Just drizzle the balsamic glaze on top right before serving.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
While fresh basil gives the best flavor, you can use dried basil as a substitute. Just be sure to use a smaller amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I use store-bought mozzarella?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded or pre-sliced mozzarella for convenience. However, fresh mozzarella gives the best texture and flavor for this salad.

Can I add other ingredients like olives or arugula?
Absolutely! Feel free to add olives, arugula, or any other fresh vegetables you love. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to your taste.

How do I prevent the tortellini from sticking together?
Make sure to rinse the cooked tortellini with cold water to stop it from cooking further and prevent it from sticking together. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta if needed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta, such as fusilli, rotini, or penne, if you don’t have tortellini on hand.

Can I make this salad without balsamic glaze?
Yes, if you don’t have balsamic glaze, the dressing made from olive oil and balsamic vinegar is delicious on its own. The glaze just adds an extra touch of sweetness and flavor, but it’s optional.

How can I make this salad spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes to the dressing or sprinkle some chili flakes on top to give this pasta salad a spicy kick.

How long can I store this pasta salad?
This pasta salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best when eaten fresh as the flavors tend to meld beautifully within the first day.

Can I freeze this salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the mozzarella and pasta can become mushy when thawed. It’s best served fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines all the best elements of a Caprese salad with the richness of cheese-filled tortellini. With its fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and versatility, it’s the perfect side dish or light main course for any gathering. Whether served at a summer picnic, a casual barbecue, or a light lunch, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit.

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