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    Foody Schmoody Blog Recipes For Everyone » Pasta

    Published: May 4, 2015 · Modified: Jun 6, 2024 by foodyschmoody ·

    Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad

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    This recipe for Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad is the best of two amazing dishes coming together; Caprese Salad and Pasta Salad.

    Pasta salads are a summertime staple. They are versatile and when you toss pasta together with fresh vegetables and creamy mozzarella, it is magical!

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Prepared tortellini pasta salad in a long white serving bowl, drizzled with glaze.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please visit my disclosure page

    You should know that this caprese pasta salad can be made with other pastas but I am a firm believer that tortellini is superior to all others. You already know this if you've made my Lemon Garlic Tortellini Pasta Salad.

    This summer pasta salad makes a great potluck dish to bring to just about any event. It goes great with grilled chicken wings, steak, or just about anything you might be served at a cookout. Side note, my Panzanella Salad is also a great potluck option.

    Ingredients

    Like any Caprese Salad, simple, high quality ingredients are key. Your pasta salad can only be as good as the ingredients. This being said, make sure you use a balsamic dressing that you love as this is the major flavor source.

    • Tortellini - I find the refrigerated variety the most sturdy after cooking and it cooks so quickly
    • Cheese - Small mozzarella balls, also called Ciliegine
    • Tomatoes - I prefer cherry tomatoes but you can use diced fresh garden tomatoes if you prefer.
    • Basil - fresh
    • Balsamic Dressing - brand of your choice. I like a creamy balsamic dressing, especially this one by Brianna's.
    • Optional - Balsamic Glaze for finishing

    Instructions

    Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. When it is done, strain it and rinse under cold water and set aside.

    Rinsing is for two reasons - to cool the pasta and to prevent it sticking.

    The preparation of the tomatoes and cheese is personal preference. I like to cut the tomatoes into quarters and the cheese into halves.

    Slice the basil into strips or tear it with your fingers for a more rustic presentation.

    As far as seasoning goes, I just use salt and pepper. The dressing will take care of the rest.

    Place the tomatoes and mozzarella in a bowl. Season with a little salt and pepper. Add in the cooled tortellini and balsamic dressing and toss well. Then add in the basil.

    Once you transfer everything to your serving bowl you can drizzle the glaze over the top or leave it on the side and allow guests to add to their own serving.

    A super close up view of a spoon with the prepared tortellini salad on it.

    Variations and Substitutions

    Of course I like this caprese pasta salad recipe as written but there are a few tweaks you might want to make based on what you like. Here are some things you could add:

    • red onion
    • arugula (I serve my eggplant caprese over arugula and it is fabulous)
    • baby spinach
    • chopped zucchini or summer squash
    • diced fruit such as peaches

    If you can't get the small mozzarella balls, you can chop up a fresh mozzarella log or even use burrata!

    Storage

    It is doubtful you'll have leftover but if so, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Printable Recipe Card

    Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad

    Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad

    foodyschmoody
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 8 minutes mins
    Total Time 13 minutes mins
    Course Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 4
    Calories 337 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 10 Ounce Cheese Tortellini refrigerated
    • ½ Cup balsamic vinaigrette, prepared creamy variety works well, but your preference
    • 12 Balls Ciliegine Mozzarella small mozzarella balls, halved
    • 12 whole cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
    • 2 Tablespoon freshly sliced basil
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Allow to sit for a few minutes to remove excess water.
    • While pasta is cooking prepare tomatoes and mozzarella by halving or quartering them. Place in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl with the tomatoes and cheese and then toss with the balsamic dressing. Add in the fresh basil.
    • Garnish with a few additional ribbons of basil if desired and/or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 11gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 576mgPotassium: 7mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 114mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword meatless meal, pasta salad, salad
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 6 votes

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    1. Agy says

      May 04, 2015 at 6:57 am

      I'm trying to figure out what the taste of the pasta is as I've never used of balsamic vinagrette because it is so expensive over here. Is it sour and sweet at the same time?

      Reply
      • foodyschmoody says

        May 04, 2015 at 9:37 am

        It is sweet w/ a little tang to it. It's awesome on both sweet and savory dishes.

        Reply
    2. KC the Kitchen Chopper says

      May 04, 2015 at 10:36 am

      Balsamic certainly makes my life tastier. This dish is so yummy.

      Reply
    3. Christine @ One TIPsy Chick says

      May 04, 2015 at 12:10 pm

      This looks really good! My husband loves caprese salad so I think I'll make this the next time I grill steak!

      Reply
    4. Jessica says

      May 04, 2015 at 6:19 pm

      My six year old is a fan of this tortellini. He just had some in his lunch today for school.

      Reply
      • foodyschmoody says

        May 04, 2015 at 6:43 pm

        Tortellini is one thing all my kids like too (surprisingly)

        Reply
    5. nancy@skinnykitchen.com says

      May 04, 2015 at 7:31 pm

      Love this one Christine!

      Reply
    6. Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says

      May 04, 2015 at 8:06 pm

      5 stars
      What a pretty salad Christine...love your photos!

      Reply
    7. Healing Tomato says

      May 04, 2015 at 10:26 pm

      5 stars
      This caprese pasta looks absolutely delicious. You know I will pick out all the tomatoes and eat them.

      Reply
      • foodyschmoody says

        May 05, 2015 at 6:28 am

        ha, thanks Rini.

        Reply
    8. TwoPlusCute says

      May 04, 2015 at 10:30 pm

      5 stars
      What a glorious dish is that?!
      Bookmarked and saved and will print and wow. It is so good, it looks like desert to me.

      Reply
      • foodyschmoody says

        May 05, 2015 at 6:27 am

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    9. Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets) says

      May 04, 2015 at 11:07 pm

      Wonderful salad...I know the perfect gluten free tortellini to use so I can give this a try 🙂

      Reply
      • foodyschmoody says

        May 05, 2015 at 6:27 am

        Great! Thanks Sandi.

        Reply
    10. peter @feedyoursoultoo says

      May 05, 2015 at 8:38 am

      What a nice spring summer salad.

      Reply
    11. foodyschmoody says

      May 06, 2015 at 6:35 am

      Thanks so much Cathy! So glad to connect w/ you!

      Reply
    12. foodyschmoody says

      May 06, 2015 at 6:36 am

      I agree! I think some people just hear "reduction" and think it's complicated, but as you know, it's literally just reducing, lol. Thanks for stopping over!

      Reply
    13. linda says

      April 05, 2016 at 10:59 pm

      5 stars
      Fabulous!

      Reply
    14. Jennifer says

      April 06, 2016 at 1:13 pm

      5 stars
      I love caprese anything. This toretllini dish is yummy!

      Reply
    15. Manju says

      April 10, 2016 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      Love the tortellini and everything else in this pasta!

      Reply

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