Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad featuring cheesy tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick and easy side dish or light meal, served chilled and garnished with optional balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (uncooked, approximately 5 cups uncooked)
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz Mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup chopped baby spinach (stems removed)
- ½ cup chopped basil
Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
- ¾ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes.
- Drain and cool pasta: Pour the cooked tortellini into a colander to drain. Rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool down the pasta completely, preventing it from sticking together.
- Combine salad ingredients: Transfer the cooled tortellini to a medium-large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, chopped baby spinach, and chopped basil to the bowl.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the tortellini mixture. Gently fold and toss all the ingredients to ensure the pasta and vegetables are thoroughly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the assembled pasta salad for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and keep it refreshingly cool.
- Final toss and garnish: Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute any settled dressing. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella pearls for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure tortellini is well rinsed and cooled to avoid clumping in the salad.
- Adjust seasoning and honey in the dressing to taste.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tangy finish but is optional.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/caprese-tortellini-pasta-salad-recipe/