Oh my gosh, you have to try this easy & delicious Caprese tortellini pasta salad! It’s my go-to dish whenever I need something quick but impressive – perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or just a no-fuss weeknight dinner. The first time I made it for a family gathering, people kept asking for the recipe between bites. What I love most is how the cheese-filled tortellini pairs perfectly with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil – it’s like all the best parts of a Caprese salad but heartier and more satisfying. And the best part? It literally comes together in 20 minutes flat. No fancy skills required – just simple, fresh ingredients that taste amazing together.
Ingredients for Easy & Delicious Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
Let me tell you about the magic ingredients that make this salad so darn good! You’ll need:
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (the refrigerated kind works best)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (I like the colorful heirloom ones when I can find them!)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (those cute little pearls are perfect)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (please don’t use dried – trust me on this)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (the good stuff makes a difference)
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (or you can reduce regular balsamic vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Easy & Delicious Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s my foolproof method for this gorgeous pasta salad:
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook your tortellini according to the package directions (usually about 7-9 minutes). Drain them well – I like to give them a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool them faster.
- Prep your mix-ins: While the pasta cooks, halve those juicy cherry tomatoes and chop your fresh basil. If your mozzarella balls are large, you might want to halve those too.
- Combine everything: In a big mixing bowl, gently toss together the cooled tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and that gorgeous balsamic glaze – don’t be shy!
- Season to perfection: Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss again until everything is lightly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve it up: This salad is fantastic served slightly chilled or at room temperature. For extra wow factor, garnish with a few whole basil leaves before serving!
Tips for the Best Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Fresh is best: Always use fresh mozzarella – the texture makes all the difference!
- Brighten it up: A squeeze of lemon juice adds amazing freshness if your tomatoes aren’t super sweet.
- Let it rest: The flavors meld beautifully if you let it sit for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Texture tip: If making ahead, hold back some basil to add right before serving so it stays vibrant.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Listen – this recipe is super flexible! Out of cherry tomatoes? Sun-dried ones add amazing depth (just chop them smaller). For gluten-free friends, use GF tortellini – it works great. If you’re feeling fancy, swap the olive oil for pesto (hello, flavor bomb!). Vegan? Try plant-based tortellini and mozzarella. The beauty is you can make it your own while keeping that classic Caprese vibe!
Serving Suggestions for Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is a total crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve it! My favorite way? Alongside some juicy grilled chicken and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for picnics (just pack it chilled) or potlucks (it always disappears fast). Honestly though, I’ve been known to eat it straight from the bowl with a fork – no shame!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Here’s the scoop on leftovers (if you have any!): Store your Caprese tortellini salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually get better overnight! Just know the tortellini may soak up some dressing – I like to drizzle a little fresh olive oil when serving leftovers to bring it back to life. Skip reheating – this salad shines when served cold or at room temp!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these numbers are estimates since ingredients vary! Per serving (about 1 cup): ~320 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated), 14g protein, 32g carbs, 4g sugar. Packed with calcium from all that delicious cheese!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Caprese tortellini salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I often prep it a few hours before serving – the flavors really develop as it sits. Just hold back some fresh basil to toss in right before serving so it stays bright and pretty.
What if I can’t find tortellini?
No worries! Cheese ravioli works great too, or you could use regular pasta (try bowties or rotini). The cheesy tortellini is magical, but the salad will still be delicious with substitutions.
Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze?
If you don’t have glaze, just simmer 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar on low until it reduces by half (about 5 minutes). It’ll thicken as it cools. Or skip it – a drizzle of good quality balsamic vinegar works too!
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Oh yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be fantastic additions. I often throw in some sliced salami for extra Italian flair when I’m feeling fancy.
I’d love to hear how your Caprese tortellini pasta salad turns out! Did you add your own special touch? Maybe some roasted red peppers or a sprinkle of pine nuts? Drop me a comment below – I read every single one and get so inspired by your creative twists. If you loved this recipe as much as my family does, I’d be thrilled if you’d give it a star rating too. It helps other pasta lovers find this easy, delicious dish. Now go enjoy that gorgeous salad – I bet it won’t last long!
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20-Minute Caprese Tortellini Salad: Irresistibly Easy & Delicious
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and tasty Caprese tortellini pasta salad with fresh ingredients and Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss gently.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use high-quality fresh mozzarella for best results.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for extra freshness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
