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Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 42 reviews

Tortellini Caprese Salad is a fresh, flavorful pasta salad combining cheesy tortellini, bright cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a light main course, this salad comes together quickly and is enhanced by an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze for added sweetness and depth.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 20 oz cheese tortellini, uncooked (approximately 5 cups)
  • 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz Mozzarella pearls
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped basil

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Optional

  • Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water briefly to stop the cooking and cool slightly.
  2. Prepare Ingredients: While the tortellini cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the spinach and basil, and mince the garlic cloves. Set these aside.
  3. Combine Salad: Place the cooked tortellini in a medium to large mixing bowl. Add the spinach, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, chopped basil, and minced garlic to the bowl.
  4. Make Dressing and Toss: Pour the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the ingredients in the bowl. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to cool properly.
  6. Final Touch and Serve: Before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute the olive oil that may have settled at the bottom. Add extra olive oil if the salad feels dry. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flavor, if desired.
  7. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Add extra olive oil when serving if the salad has been refrigerated for several hours, as the pasta may absorb the dressing and become dry.
  • Always toss the salad just before serving to evenly redistribute the olive oil and dressing.
  • This salad can be prepared ahead and chilled, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/tortellini-caprese-salad-recipe/