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Savory Tortellini Caprese Salad

Featured in Simple, Tasty Pasta for Every Day.

This is a quick 15-minute take on the classic Caprese. It swaps the appetizer for a heartier pasta version, with cheese-filled tortellini joined by tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella pearls. Tossed with an olive oil-balsamic mix spiced with garlic and herbs, it’s a flavorful salad. For an extra kick, a drizzle of balsamic glaze amps up the look and taste. Perfect for prepping ahead, it lasts up to 5 days in the fridge. Just refresh with olive oil before serving.
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Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:24:43 GMT
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Delicious Tortellini Caprese Salad Image | thefamilycooks.com

Fresh tortellini meets classic Italian flavors in this vibrant summer pasta salad. This dish combines cheese-filled pasta with garden-fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal that's perfect for warm weather dining and casual entertaining.

Key Ingredients

  • Fresh Cheese Tortellini: Select high-quality pasta with a tender texture and rich filling
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Choose sweet, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor
  • Mozzarella Pearls: Small size creates perfect bite-sized portions
  • Fresh Basil: Adds classic aroma and Italian flair
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use the best quality for superior taste
  • Balsamic Glaze: Adds sweet-tart balance
  • Baby Spinach: Provides fresh crunch and color

Preparation Steps

  1. Cook tortellini in well-salted water until just tender
  2. Drain and cool pasta with a quick rinse
  3. Halve tomatoes and pat mozzarella dry
  4. Tear basil leaves and prepare spinach
  5. Combine ingredients in a large bowl
  6. Drizzle with oil and balsamic glaze
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste
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Serving Tips

Present in a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients. For gatherings, consider portioning into individual servings using small glass bowls or mason jars. The salad tastes best at room temperature when the flavors have had time to meld.

Storage Information

Store dressed pasta mixture separately from fresh herbs and greens. Combine just before serving for best results. The pasta component will keep well for 2-3 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the shelf life of this salad?
You can keep it in the fridge in a sealed container for about 5 days.
→ Why do I cool down the tortellini after cooking?
Rinsing the tortellini stops the heat from overcooking it and keeps the texture just right.
→ Is this salad good for advance preparation?
It’s great to prepare ahead of time! Just stir in some olive oil before digging in since the pasta might soak up the dressing.
→ How come the balsamic glaze is added at the end?
If added too early, it may disappear into the salad. Drizzle at the end for that pop of flavor and look.
→ What should I do if my salad seems dry?
Mix it again and splash a little olive oil to refresh the flavors, especially if it’s been sitting in the fridge.

Tortellini and Caprese

A vibrant pasta dish that pairs cheesy tortellini with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic touch.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 5 cups of uncooked cheese tortellini (roughly 20 oz)
02 10 oz of cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
03 8 ounces of mozzarella pearls
04 1 cup spinach, chopped
05 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

→ Dressing

06 Half a cup of olive oil
07 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
08 3 to 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
09 3/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
10 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper
11 Optional: drizzle of balsamic glaze

Instructions

Step 01

Follow the cooking directions on the tortellini package to cook them until slightly firm (al dente). Rinse under cool water to lower the temperature just a bit, and during that time, get all the other ingredients ready by chopping and prepping.

Step 02

Grab a bowl (medium to large works best) and mix together your slightly cooled tortellini with the chopped spinach, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and garlic. Pour the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mixture, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all up until everything’s evenly coated.

Step 03

Keep it chilled until it’s time to serve. Before digging in, stir it up again so the oil isn’t sitting at the bottom. If it seems dry, add a splash more olive oil. If you’re feeling fancy, give it a light drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Notes

  1. Pop leftovers in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge, where they'll stay fresh for around 5 days.
  2. If it's been sitting in the fridge longer than a few hours, toss in some extra olive oil before serving.
  3. Always give it a good mix before serving to make sure the olive oil spreads evenly again.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot to boil the pasta
  • A medium or large mixing bowl
  • Something airtight for leftovers

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cheese and mozzarella)
  • Contains gluten because of the tortellini

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 391
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 16 g