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!
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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.
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
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.
Agy says
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?
foodyschmoody says
It is sweet w/ a little tang to it. It's awesome on both sweet and savory dishes.
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
Balsamic certainly makes my life tastier. This dish is so yummy.
Christine @ One TIPsy Chick says
This looks really good! My husband loves caprese salad so I think I'll make this the next time I grill steak!
Jessica says
My six year old is a fan of this tortellini. He just had some in his lunch today for school.
foodyschmoody says
Tortellini is one thing all my kids like too (surprisingly)
nancy@skinnykitchen.com says
Love this one Christine!
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
What a pretty salad Christine...love your photos!
Healing Tomato says
This caprese pasta looks absolutely delicious. You know I will pick out all the tomatoes and eat them.
foodyschmoody says
ha, thanks Rini.
TwoPlusCute says
What a glorious dish is that?!
Bookmarked and saved and will print and wow. It is so good, it looks like desert to me.
foodyschmoody says
Thanks so much!
Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets) says
Wonderful salad...I know the perfect gluten free tortellini to use so I can give this a try 🙂
foodyschmoody says
Great! Thanks Sandi.
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
What a nice spring summer salad.
foodyschmoody says
Thanks so much Cathy! So glad to connect w/ you!
foodyschmoody says
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!
linda says
Fabulous!
Jennifer says
I love caprese anything. This toretllini dish is yummy!
Manju says
Love the tortellini and everything else in this pasta!