Tortellini Caprese Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on a classic Italian favorite, bringing together pillowy cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil in a tangy balsamic and olive oil dressing. This colorful bowl of goodness is the perfect solution when you want something satisfying yet summery, whether you’re heading to a picnic, prepping for a potluck, or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will adore. It’s impossible not to fall for the medley of textures and flavors that make this salad so dazzling—and trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds!

Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tortellini Caprese Salad lies in its approachable ingredients—each one chosen for its role in creating the perfect bite, from the soft tortellini to the creamy mozzarella and zingy balsamic glaze. These are everyday staples that come together for a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Cheese tortellini (20 oz, cooked and cooled): The star of the show, these tender pasta pockets are irresistibly cheesy and hearty enough to anchor the whole salad.
Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Their sweet juiciness adds a burst of summer flavor and a beautiful pop of red.
Fresh mozzarella balls (8 oz bocconcini or ciliegine, halved): Creamy, mild, and delightfully soft—these little cheese pearls soak up all the dressing.
Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, chopped or torn): Basil infuses the salad with its unmistakable aromatics and fresh green color.
Balsamic glaze (2 tablespoons): Just a drizzle brings intense, tangy-sweet complexity that lifts all the flavors.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use a good quality oil—this coats everything with silky richness.
Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, tart kick that balances the mozzarella and glaze.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for drawing out the natural flavors in every ingredient.

How to Make Tortellini Caprese Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Toss in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until just tender. Once they’re done, drain immediately and rinse them with cold water—this helps the tortellini cool off quickly and prevents them from sticking together, ensuring every bite of your Tortellini Caprese Salad stays distinct and delicious.

Step 2: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

While your tortellini is cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. You want them bite-sized to match the pasta. Chop or tear the fresh basil leaves just before using, as this keeps them vibrant and aromatic. Place everything in a spacious mixing bowl so there’s plenty of room to toss.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Add the cooled tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil into your mixing bowl. Drizzle over the olive oil and red wine vinegar, then sprinkle with a big pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Gently toss everything together with clean hands or a big spoon until the dressing coats every ingredient, making sure not to mash the cheese or pasta.

Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor

For the best Tortellini Caprese Salad experience, cover your bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This short rest allows the flavors to mingle and the pasta to soak up all the zesty dressing—it’s the trick to a salad that tastes as incredible as it looks.

Step 5: Finish with Balsamic Glaze

Just before serving, unveil your chilled salad masterpiece and drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the top. Give everything a final, gentle toss so each forkful gets that tangy-sweet pop. Serve promptly and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve Tortellini Caprese Salad

Garnishes

A final flourish makes a world of difference! Scatter a few whole basil leaves or some extra chopped basil over the top for a burst of green. If you want even more luxury, a crack of black pepper or a light shower of flaky sea salt really completes the look and taste of your Tortellini Caprese Salad.

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad pairs beautifully with all kinds of summer fare, from grilled chicken or fish to a basket of warm, crusty bread. For a true Italian feast, try it alongside antipasto platters brimming with olives, roasted peppers, and salami, or keep things casual with chips and fresh melon on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Serve your Tortellini Caprese Salad skewered on toothpicks for a playful appetizer, or pile it into little jars for an adorable picnic presentation. For special occasions, arrange the salad on a large platter in colorful stripes or circles to highlight all those gorgeous ingredients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Tortellini Caprese Salad (lucky you!), simply scoop it into an airtight container and refrigerate. The salad will stay fresh for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen as it sits.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze it, keep in mind the texture of the mozzarella and tomatoes may change upon thawing. For best results, freeze only the cooked tortellini, and add the rest of the ingredients fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Tortellini Caprese Salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give leftovers a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and wake up those flavors.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tortellini for this salad?

Absolutely! Store-bought cheese tortellini works beautifully for Tortellini Caprese Salad. Just cook according to the package directions, and you’ll save tons of prep time without sacrificing flavor.

What if I can’t find fresh mozzarella balls?

No worries! You can substitute the mozzarella balls with a block of fresh mozzarella, simply dice it into bite-sized cubes. The salad will be just as creamy and delicious.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make a gluten-free Tortellini Caprese Salad by using gluten-free cheese tortellini, which are now available at many grocery stores.

How far ahead can I make Tortellini Caprese Salad?

You can toss the salad together up to 24 hours before serving. If making ahead, add the fresh basil and drizzle the balsamic glaze just before serving to keep everything looking and tasting its freshest.

Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sliced salami, or even some chickpeas are welcome additions if you want to make your Tortellini Caprese Salad a more substantial main course.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into this irresistible Tortellini Caprese Salad. It’s the kind of dish that delights with every bite and always brings people together around the table. Try it out, share it with friends, and don’t be surprised when it disappears in a flash!

Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Tortellini Caprese Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining cheese-filled tortellini with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a perfect dish for a light summer meal or a flavorful side dish at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Tortellini Caprese Salad:

20 oz cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.
Add Dressing: Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
Chill and Serve: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze and give a final toss.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the mozzarella balls in olive oil and herbs for a few hours beforehand.
You can also add grilled chicken or salami for a heartier salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiled, Tossed
Cuisine: Italian-American