Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe

Looking for a summer showstopper that’ll turn every gathering into an Italian feast? This Tortellini Caprese Salad packs the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil with tender cheese tortellini, all tossed in a zingy homemade dressing. It’s deliciously fresh, quick to assemble, and guaranteed to be the star of your picnic, barbecue or weeknight dinner. If you love classic caprese but want something a little heartier, this is about to become your new go-to!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of quality ingredients, Tortellini Caprese Salad delivers big on flavor, color, and irresistible texture. Each ingredient shines brightly, so try to choose the freshest you can find—they’ll truly make this dish memorable!

• Cheese tortellini (20 oz): Tender, cheesy pasta rings serve as the hearty base—refrigerated or fresh tortellini work best for their plump texture.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved): These sweet, juicy gems add pops of color and bursting flavor with every bite.
• Fresh mozzarella balls (8 oz, bocconcini or ciliegine): Soft, creamy mozzarella brings delicious richness—halve them if they’re on the larger side.
• Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, chopped or torn): Basil’s signature aroma and brightness ties all the salad flavors together.
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Choose a good extra-virgin olive oil for a peppery, fruity base to your dressing.
• Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): Deep, tangy balsamic gives the salad its signature Italian zing—white balsamic or a splash of lemon juice works well too.
• Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and helps the dressing emulsify smoothly.
• Garlic (1 small clove, minced): A touch of pungent, aromatic garlic infuses the salad with Italian spirit.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the other flavors—taste and adjust if needed.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Freshly cracked pepper adds subtle heat and complexity.

How to Make Tortellini Caprese Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente—they should be tender with a slight bite. Once done, drain them and immediately rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking and ensures your Tortellini Caprese Salad isn’t mushy. Give the tortellini a gentle shake to remove excess water.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The mustard is the secret to a creamy, clingy dressing that won’t separate, and the garlic instantly adds classic Italian character. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—you want the dressing slightly tangy and well-rounded.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until every piece is beautifully coated. The mozzarella and pasta soak up that tangy, garlicky dressing, while the tomatoes and basil lend unbeatable freshness.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, if you have the time. This step really transforms your Tortellini Caprese Salad, allowing all the Italian flavors to blend. If you’re short on time, it’s absolutely tasty served right away, but chilling brings it to the next level.

How to Serve Tortellini Caprese Salad

Garnishes

Scatter a few extra torn basil leaves or a handful of microgreens on top just before serving for a fresh, vibrant pop of color. For an authentic Italian touch, drizzle a little more high-quality olive oil or a quick zigzag of aged balsamic glaze over the salad—you’ll love how it enhances the presentation and the flavor.

Side Dishes

Tortellini Caprese Salad is a standout all on its own, but pairs perfectly with crusty Italian bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad. If you’re firing up the grill, serve it alongside grilled chicken, juicy Italian sausages, or even marinated vegetables for a well-rounded feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving it in individual cups or small mason jars for easy grab-and-go portions. It’s also fun skewered onto small cocktail picks—toothpick tortellinis, tomatoes, and mozzarella for bite-sized appetizers! For an elegant dinner, mound it onto a platter lined with extra basil leaves and sliced heirloom tomatoes for a dramatic touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Tortellini Caprese Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. As it sits, the flavors deepen even more! If you’ve added chopped basil, it may darken with time—just toss in a few fresh leaves before serving to revive the salad’s gorgeous color.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the tortellini and mozzarella can become watery and lose their lovely texture after thawing. For best flavor and presentation, enjoy it within a few days of making.

Reheating

Tortellini Caprese Salad is truly made to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed! If you prefer a slightly warmer version, simply let it rest at room temp for about 20 minutes before serving—the flavors will shine.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! Just cook frozen tortellini a little longer until al dente, drain, and rinse as you would with fresh or refrigerated. Make sure they don’t overcook for the best salad texture.

What protein can I add to make this salad a meal?

Grilled chicken, sliced salami, or even marinated chickpeas make lovely additions for extra heartiness. Just toss them in when mixing everything together for a filling, well-balanced meal.

Can I prepare Tortellini Caprese Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead dish! Prepare and combine everything (except fresh basil, which is best added just before serving), refrigerate, and stir in extra basil for color and flavor right before your meal.

How do I keep the mozzarella from becoming watery?

Drain your mozzarella balls well before adding, and if they’re packed in water, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the dressing cling and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Most traditional tortellini contains wheat, but you can look for gluten-free cheese-filled tortellini at specialty stores or use gluten-free pasta shells for a similar effect—either way, the caprese flavors shine!

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Tortellini Caprese Salad, you’ll want to make it again and again for every occasion, from laid-back lunches to festive gatherings. It’s bursting with flavor, color, and rustic Italian charm—truly a crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and share a bowlful of happiness!

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