Tortellini Caprese salad is like an Italian summer in a bowl! (It even shares the colors of the flag.)
This easy-to-make and refreshing salad combines cheese tortellini with juicy cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil.
A simple yet flavorful dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and shallot ties it together. Every bite is a delightful experience.
Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch, this versatile salad will impress at any gathering. Buon appetito!
Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Caprese Salad
Quick Prep: This salad comes together in a flash. The tortellini cooks quickly and the rest is a matter of assembly.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its colorful presentation and popular Italian flavors, this salad will be a hit at any gathering. Bring it to potlucks, picnics, or summer barbecues.
Make Ahead: This salad becomes tastier as it chills, allowing the balsamic dressing to mingle with the other ingredients. Prep it up to 8 hours in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a light vegetarian main course or pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a heartier meal. The recipe is also easy to double or triple for larger groups.
Ingredients
- Cheese Tortellini: Tender, ring-shaped pasta filled with a blend of cheeses is the perfect base for the salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these bite-sized tomatoes burst with flavor.
- Fresh Mozzarella Pearls: Soft and creamy, they offer a delicious and mild cheese flavor.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil leaves add a peppery and slightly sweet note. Their fragrant aroma enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
- Dressing: It’s a savory blend of rich olive oil and tangy balsamic vinegar with shallots, garlic, and oregano.
- Balsamic Glaze (Optional): A sweet and tangy reduction of balsamic vinegar is drizzled over the salad for extra flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Tortellini Caprese Salad
You won’t believe how easy this salad is to throw together.
1. Cook. Cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Add the ingredients. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil to the bowl with the tortellini.
3. Prep the dressing. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced shallot, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to a small bowl or jar. Whisk until combined. Pour the dressing over the tortellini salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Chill. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Toss the salad and taste it for seasoning before serving. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Garnish. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil.
6. Serve. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Tips For the Best Tortellini Caprese Salad
- Aim for al dente. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the dressing.
- Give it a good rinse. Rinse the cooked tortellini under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Fresh is best. For the best flavor and texture, use the freshest cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella pearls.
- Let it chill. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Give it a toss. Toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.
Variations and Serving Ideas
Here are a few tasty ways to switch things up.
- Add healthy greens. For added texture and nutrition, consider mixing in fresh spinach or arugula.
- Throw in some extras. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients like toasted pine nuts or shaved parmesan. Add grilled chicken for a heartier main dish salad.
- Make it a feast. Serve the salad with crusty bread, grilled meats, or chilled white wine for a complete meal.
How to Store
This salad is ideal for meal prep or entertaining since it can be made up to 8 hours in advance.
To Store: Place leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture.
Tortellini Caprese Salad
8
servings10
minutes10
minutes372
kcalThis Tortellini Caprese salad is perfect for summer potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. The combination of cheese tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
20 oz cheese tortellini, uncooked
10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 small shallot, finely minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic glaze for drizzling, optional
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil to the bowl with the tortellini.
- Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced shallot, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to a small bowl or jar. Whisk until combined. Pour the dressing over the tortellini salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give it a toss and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use the freshest ingredients you can find. Ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and in-season basil make all the difference.
- Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to develop and mingle.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like chopped spinach, toasted pine nuts, shaved parmesan, or grilled chicken for a heartier main dish salad.
