Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors with this Tortellini Caprese Salad. This delightful dish combines tender cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all brought together with a simple yet elegant balsamic dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a satisfying side dish, this salad is sure to impress.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal prep work.
The combination of pasta and Caprese flavors creates a hearty yet refreshing dish.
It can be served as a main meal or a side dish.
The balsamic dressing adds a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.
It tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients:
1 package cheese tortellini (about 20 oz)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions:
Cook the Tortellini: Follow the package instructions to cook the cheese tortellini. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss the Salad: Pour the balsamic dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill and Serve: Place the salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Optional Finish: Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Enjoy: Serve your Tortellini Caprese Salad cold and enjoy the burst of fresh, vibrant flavors.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
Protein Boost – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto for extra protein.
Greens Addition – Toss in arugula or spinach for a leafy touch.
Pesto Twist – Swap the balsamic dressing for a light pesto dressing.
Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added texture.
Serving Tips:
Temperature Matters: Serve the Tortellini Caprese Salad chilled or at room temperature. This ensures the flavors are at their peak and the salad is refreshing.
Garnish: Just before serving, add a few extra fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant and aromatic garnish.
Portion Size: Serve in individual bowls or a large serving platter for a family-style presentation. This makes it easy for guests to help themselves.
Accompaniments: Pair the salad with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to complement the flavors. A glass of chilled white wine or a light sparkling water with a slice of lemon can enhance the meal.
Presentation: Arrange the tortellini, tomatoes, and mozzarella attractively in the serving dish for a visually appealing presentation. A drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving adds a professional touch.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed well to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Dressing Separation: If planning to store the salad for a few days, consider storing the dressing separately and add it just before serving. This prevents the tortellini and tomatoes from becoming too soggy.
Fresh Basil: If you notice the basil starting to wilt after a day or two, you can add some fresh basil leaves to the salad before serving to maintain the vibrant flavor and color.
Reviving Leftovers: If the salad has been stored for a day or two, give it a good toss before serving. You might want to add a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar to refresh the flavors.
Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this salad as the texture of the fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil can become compromised.
Related Recipes:
- Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta
- Asiago Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
- Tomato Tortellini Soup
FAQs:
How far in advance can I make this salad?
I can make it up to a day in advance. The flavors improve as they sit, but I prefer to add fresh basil just before serving.
Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh or refrigerated tortellini has a better texture for this salad. If using dried tortellini, be sure to cook it thoroughly and let it cool completely.
What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
Red wine vinegar or lemon juice can work as alternatives, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! I can use dairy-free tortellini and swap mozzarella for avocado or dairy-free cheese.
What’s the best way to keep the tortellini from sticking together?
After cooking, I toss the tortellini with a little olive oil to prevent clumping while it cools.
Conclusion:
Tortellini Caprese Salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that captures the essence of fresh, Italian flavors. Its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, while its elegance makes it suitable for entertaining guests. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful combination of textures and tastes in every bite.
📖 Recipe:
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Tortellini Caprese Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tortellini Caprese Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish combining tender cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a simple balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 package cheese tortellini (about 20 oz)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Follow the package instructions to cook the cheese tortellini. Once cooked, drain and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the balsamic dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Place the salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Optional Finish: Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve your Tortellini Caprese Salad cold and enjoy the burst of fresh, vibrant flavors.
Notes
For the best results, use fresh ingredients, especially basil and tomatoes.
You can substitute bocconcini with regular fresh mozzarella cut into bite-sized pieces or try marinated mozzarella balls for added flavor.
This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Store the dressing separately and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for tortellini)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook (aside from cooking the tortellini)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 4-6
