Description
Tortellini Caprese Salad is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring cheese tortellini, fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves tossed in a balsamic glaze and olive oil dressing. Perfect for summer, this refreshing pasta salad is easy to prepare and served chilled, making it an excellent light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually boiling for the recommended time until tender. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped or torn basil leaves.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors evenly without crushing the delicate ingredients.
- Season and Chill: Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste. For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally drizzle additional balsamic glaze over the salad for an enhanced presentation and added tangy sweetness. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken to make this salad heartier and turn it into a complete meal.
- Incorporate pine nuts for an added crunchy texture.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated.
