Tortellini Caprese Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional Caprese salad with the hearty texture of tortellini. This dish brings together al dente cheese tortellini, ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. The result is a perfect balance of textures and flavors that makes it an ideal meal for a light lunch, side dish, or even a potluck contribution.
The tortellini, typically filled with cheese, provides a satisfying bite and acts as the perfect base for the vibrant, fresh ingredients. The sweet, juicy tomatoes pair wonderfully with the soft mozzarella, while the basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor profile. The dressing, made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey or Dijon mustard, ties everything together with its tangy sweetness.
Tortellini Caprese Salad is highly versatile and can easily be customized to suit your preferences. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost, or toss in some avocado for an extra layer of creaminess. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a great option for both warm weather and indoor meals.
This vibrant dish not only looks beautiful but also bursts with fresh, summery flavors, making it a favorite for gatherings, picnics, or as a weeknight dinner. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for anyone craving a light yet satisfying meal with a twist on the classic Caprese salad.
Ingredients
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini cooked and cooled
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 ounces mozzarella balls small, drained
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad, and gently toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition
It was okay, but not much flavor. Maybe I did somethin wrong? 🤔 I’ll stick to my regular salad. 2/5
This salad is AMAZING! Super fresh and easy to make. I added some avocado too, yum! 5 stars!
Yummmm! I added some grilled chicken and it took this dish to another level! 🤤
Grilled chicken sounds like a great addition! I never thought about that. Can’t wait to try it! 😍
This salad is amazing! So fresh and easy to make. Perfect for summer parties.
Sounds nice, but do you all really think it’s a salad? It’s more like a pasta dish! 😂
I get what you mean! But it’s called a salad, so let’s just roll with it. 😄
Isn’t tortellini like the same thing as ravioli? I’m confused.
Tried it but my tortellini got mushy. Can someone tell me how to avoid that? 🤔
Um, is this even Italian? I thought caprese was just tomatoes and mozzarella. Whatever!
Not a fan. I don’t like cheese pasta 🥴.
Absolutely delicious. I could eat this every day!
Easy to make, but I think fresh tomatoes would’ve been better than cherry ones.
I totally agree! Fresh tomatoes have so much more flavor. I might try it with them next time.
Too much cheese for me, thought it would be lighter. Not a fan.
Made this for dinner and my kids loved it! Thanks for the simple recipe.
This was a hit at our picnic! The flavors are awesome together. Will make it again for sure.
I’m glad to hear that! It really does have a nice combination of flavors. Perfect for summer picnics!
My kiddo loved it! I’ll make it again for sure.
Really? My kids didn’t like it much. Maybe I did something wrong?
That sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try this recipe for my kids too. Thanks for sharing!
This was such a refreshing salad! Perfect for summer. My kids loved it too!
This salad is absolutely delicious! Perfect for summer picnics.
Yummm! I added some grilled chicken for protein. It really brought the dish together! ❤️
Tasty but a bit bland. I added some red pepper flakes and it helped a lot!
Glad you enjoyed it! Red pepper flakes are a great idea to spice it up! 😋
Bland? I thought it was bursting with flavor! Maybe you just need to add more seasoning next time?
Did you really need balsamic glaze? I think it’s better without it.
I think the balsamic glaze adds a nice touch! Gives it depth. Try it next time!
tastes gr8, cheap and quick! can make it anytime. Love it
Yum!! This is so good! I added some avocado for extra creaminess! 😍
Avocado sounds like a great twist! I never thought of adding that. 🙌
I don’t think tortellini belongs in a salad, but my friends loved it. Who am I to judge?
Really easy to make, but why cook tortellini? Aren’t they already cooked?
I don’t know about this one. Tortellini in a salad seems weird. Aren’t salads just supposed to be greens?
I get what you mean, but trust me, it’s delicious! The tortellini adds a nice twist to the salad. Give it a shot!
I was skeptical about the balsamic glaze but it actually adds a nice touch!
I’m glad you liked the balsamic glaze! It really makes the flavors pop, doesn’t it? 😊
So simple but so good! I let it sit for a few hours in the fridge before serving like a pasta salad.
Too much oil for my taste. I prefer a lighter dressing. Next time I’ll cut the olive oil.
I actually thought the oil was just right! Adds a nice richness to the flavor. Maybe trying a different type of oil could help?
Lighter dressing sounds good! But I love the oil! Helps all the ingredients to stick together, ya know?
Easy and quick to make, but I thought it needed more flavor. Maybe some garlic next time?
I dunno, I thought it was fine as is. You don’t want it too garlicky, ya know?
I totally agree! Garlic would really amp up the flavors! Maybe roasted garlic for an extra kick?
Tasty and filling! Perfect for a picnic! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I don’t eat tortellini. Can I just use pasta? It might still be good?
This salad is awesome! So fresh and the flavors mix really well. 5 stars!
I totally agree! This salad is perfect for summer picnics!
Looks good, but I don’t like tortellini that much. What can I use instead?
Not sure if I made it right. Mine looked different! Still tasted ok tho.