Description
Tortellini Caprese Salad is a vibrant, cheesy pasta salad made with tender cheese-filled tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all tossed in a zesty balsamic dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing weeknight side.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved if large
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
- For the balsamic dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or salami for a heartier option.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for a bolder flavor.
- Substitute with store-bought Italian or balsamic vinaigrette for convenience.
- Garnish with extra basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for presentation.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: tortellini caprese salad, pasta salad, summer side dish, mozzarella basil salad, easy picnic recipe