There’s something magical about the simplicity and freshness of an Italian-inspired pasta salad, and Tortellini Caprese Salad captures that magic in every bite. Each forkful bursts with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a bright balsamic dressing. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping side for your next picnic or a quick, satisfying lunch, this vibrant salad delivers flavor, color, and comfort with minimal fuss and maximum joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Tortellini Caprese Salad comes from a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients that shine on their own and even more when combined. Each one plays a crucial role, from the rich, cheesy pasta to the crisp tomatoes and herby finish.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini (20-ounce package): These plump pasta pillows bring hearty, cheesy satisfaction as the base of the salad; make sure to cook them just until al dente for the perfect bite.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint, halved): These juicy gems add a pop of color and tangy freshness that brightens every mouthful.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (1 cup, bocconcini or ciliegine): Creamy, tender mozzarella gives the salad its signature Caprese vibe and luscious texture; sub with cubed mozzarella if you can’t find the mini balls.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Basil infuses a burst of garden aroma and classic Italian flavor that’s absolutely irreplaceable here.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): This creates the lush backbone of the dressing, adding richness and depth.
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Just a splash brings tangy sweetness and rounds out the salad’s flavors.
- Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): A secret weapon for balance, this adds just the right touch of zip and ties everything together.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Fresh garlic weaves an aromatic backbone into the dressing, lifting all the ingredients.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): These simple seasonings highlight and balance all the other flavors, so season to your liking.
How to Make Tortellini Caprese Salad
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Drop in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions until just al dente. You want them tender but still with a little bite. When they’re ready, drain the tortellini and immediately rinse under cold water to cool them down and prevent sticking. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps your salad delightfully fresh and firm.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Cheese
While the pasta cools, halve your cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst in every bite, and slice the fresh basil leaves into thin ribbons. If you’re using mozzarella balls, no need to cut, but if you only have a larger piece, cube it into small, bite-sized chunks. This prep work ensures that every mouthful of Tortellini Caprese Salad gets a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, add extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and the minced garlic. Whisk everything together until the dressing is well blended and slightly emulsified. A generous pinch of salt and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper will round everything out. This vinaigrette is what brings all the elements together, lifting the salad’s flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, gently combine the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and sliced basil. Pour the tangy vinaigrette over everything, then toss delicately until all the ingredients are coated and glistening. The key is to fold gently so you don’t bruise the basil or break apart the pasta.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For maximum flavor, cover and chill the Tortellini Caprese Salad for at least 30 minutes. This little rest gives all those fresh ingredients a chance to meld and soak in the dressing. When you’re ready to serve, give everything a gentle toss, check for final seasoning, and enjoy the salad cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve Tortellini Caprese Salad
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh basil leaves is always welcome, but for an extra-special touch, try a drizzle of syrupy balsamic glaze just before serving. You can also scatter a pinch of flaky sea salt or freshly ground pepper on top to make the Tortellini Caprese Salad look (and taste!) restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This salad is a star all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other Italian classics. A crusty loaf of bread, some roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad make lovely companions. For a heartier meal, serve Tortellini Caprese Salad as part of a picnic spread with grilled chicken or marinated tofu on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile the salad onto a big serving platter for a dramatic, family-style look. You could also spoon it into individual mason jars for a picnic or portable lunch. Feeling fancy? Thread the tortellini, tomato, and mozzarella onto skewers, then drizzle with dressing for Caprese-inspired pasta kabobs that are as cute as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Tortellini Caprese Salad, lucky you! Simply keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors get even better after a few hours, but for the best texture, enjoy within 2-3 days so the tomatoes and basil stay vibrant and fresh.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. The textures will change and water down the flavors, so it’s best to enjoy Tortellini Caprese Salad fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s really no need to reheat. If it’s too cold straight from the fridge, simply let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving—the flavors will shine through and the salad will taste as lively as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?
You can absolutely use dried tortellini if that’s what you have on hand! Just cook it according to the package instructions and cool before assembling the salad. The texture might be a touch firmer, but it will still work beautifully in this Tortellini Caprese Salad.
What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella balls?
If you can’t find bocconcini or ciliegine, use a larger piece of fresh mozzarella and cut it into small cubes. Even regular mozzarella will work in a pinch, though fresh brings the creamiest, most authentic flavor to the Tortellini Caprese Salad.
Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?
To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the cheese tortellini for a vegan variety and use a plant-based cheese or omit the mozzarella altogether. The salad will be lighter but still packed with fresh flavor thanks to the basil and tomatoes.
Can I make Tortellini Caprese Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a few hours in advance lets the flavors meld together even more. Just wait to add the basil until right before serving to keep its color and fragrance bright.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The classic recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the tortellini, but you can easily use gluten-free pasta or tortellini if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy Tortellini Caprese Salad!
Final Thoughts
This Tortellini Caprese Salad is pure sunshine on a plate and guaranteed to impress at any gathering or weeknight meal. If you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and seriously delicious, I can’t recommend it enough—why not give it a try and make your next meal a little more special?
Print
Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tortellini Caprese Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Filled with cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing, it’s a colorful and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini:
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Caprese Salad:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced thin
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and sliced basil.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the salad cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- For added flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
- You can substitute mozzarella balls with cubed mozzarella if needed.
- This salad is easy to make ahead and great for potlucks or picnics.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *