The Perfect Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Tortellini caprese salad brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your plate with an irresistible twist on classic Italian cuisine.

Summer’s freshest ingredients dance together in this light and satisfying dish that redefines simple components into something extraordinary.

Cheese-filled pasta creates a hearty foundation for bright, tangy elements that awaken every taste bud.

Rich cheese-stuffed tortellini complement crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs with remarkable balance and depth.

A perfect blend of warmth and coolness makes this salad ideal for casual gatherings or quick weeknight meals.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of textures and tastes that feels simultaneously sophisticated and approachable.

Italian-inspired ingredients guarantee a memorable dining experience that elevates everyday ingredients into something special.

Why You’ll Love Tortellini Caprese Salad Year-Round

• Savor Quick Gourmet Delight: This tortellini caprese salad transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together in mere minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a sophisticated meal.
• Embrace Vibrant Flavor Fusion: Fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic vinegar create a harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired tastes that dance on your palate with every bite.
• Master Effortless No-Cook Technique: Simply boil tortellini, chop ingredients, and toss everything together- no complex cooking skills required, making this recipe approachable for novice and experienced chefs alike.
• Enjoy Versatile Meal Solution: Serve chilled as a refreshing summer lunch, potluck contribution, or quick weeknight dinner that can be prepared ahead of time and keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days.

What You Need to Build a Tortellini Caprese Salad

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that provides the hearty foundation of the salad, choose fresh or refrigerated for best texture and flavor.

• Spinach, Tomatoes, Basil: Colorful and fresh ingredients that add vibrant flavor and nutritional boost, select ripe and crisp produce for maximum taste.
• Garlic: Adds sharp and aromatic depth to the salad, choose fresh cloves for most intense flavor.

• Mozzarella: Soft, creamy cheese that brings rich and mild flavor, opt for fresh ball mozzarella for best texture.
• Olive Oil: Smooth base for dressing that helps blend flavors, select extra virgin for highest quality.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy liquid that provides bright acidic notes, choose high-quality aged version.
• Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and concentrated reduction for final garnish, adds glossy finish to salad.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic herb and spice mix that enhances overall flavor profile, use dried herbs for consistent taste.

Instructions for Making Tortellini Caprese Salad

Step 1: Prepare Tortellini

Boil a pot of salted water and cook tortellini according to package directions until perfectly tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool slightly.

Step 2: Gather Fresh Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella
• Baby spinach leaves
• Fresh basil
• Minced garlic

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

• Cooled tortellini
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Cubed mozzarella
• Torn spinach leaves
• Chopped fresh basil
• Minced garlic

Step 4: Create Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Dress and Toss Salad

Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure even coating. Make sure all components are well distributed.

Step 6: Chill and Enhance

Refrigerate salad for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give another gentle toss.

Step 7: Final Touch

Optional: Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor complexity.

Storage: Keeps fresh in sealed container for up to 5 days in refrigerator.

Tips to Keep Your Tortellini Caprese Salad Fresh

• Perfectly Cook Tortellini: Boil tortellini just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a delightful tender texture that holds its shape in the salad.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex tastes.
• Customize Your Greens: Swap spinach with fresh arugula or mixed salad greens for a different flavor profile and added nutritional variety.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Chop fresh basil right before adding to maintain its vibrant color and intense aromatic qualities that enhance the overall dish.
• Balance Moisture Levels: Add extra olive oil or balsamic vinegar gradually to control the salad's consistency and prevent it from becoming too dry or soggy.

Proper Storage for Leftover Tortellini Caprese Salad

• Refrigeration: Store the tortellini caprese salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Chilling Duration: Keep the salad refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring peak flavor and texture quality.
• Reheating Tip: Gently bring the salad to room temperature before serving, stirring to redistribute the olive oil and revive the herbs' vibrant flavors.

Delicious Pairings for Tortellini Caprese Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Grab a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the fresh, light flavors of the tortellini caprese salad. The wine's acidity cuts through the creamy mozzarella and balances the tangy balsamic vinegar.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a rustic Italian ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious olive oil and balsamic dressing. The bread adds a wonderful textural contrast to the soft tortellini and juicy tomatoes.
• Elevate with Grilled Protein: Add some sliced grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this salad into a more substantial meal. The protein enhances the dish's heartiness while maintaining its bright, summery Mediterranean essence.
• Cool with Sparkling Water: Refresh your palate with a bubbly mineral water infused with a slice of lemon or cucumber. The effervescence and light flavor will cleanse your taste buds between bites of the rich, herb-packed salad.

Easy Ways to Switch Up Tortellini Caprese Salad

• Mediterranean Protein Powerhouse: Replace spinach with arugula and add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Roasted Veggie Remix: Swap fresh tomatoes with roasted cherry tomatoes and include roasted zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the depth of flavor and add smoky undertones.
• Pesto Paradise: Substitute balsamic vinegar with homemade or store-bought basil pesto, creating a creamy and herbaceous version of the original salad that adds rich, green complexity.
• Vegan Veggie Celebration: Use plant-based cheese alternative, omit mozzarella, and incorporate crispy chickpeas or toasted pine nuts for added texture and protein, making it suitable for vegan diners.

Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer’s freshest Italian-inspired tortellini caprese salad delivers a delightful melody of cheese-filled pasta, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. Herbs and zesty balsamic dressing unite Mediterranean flavors, making you crave each refreshing, light-hearered bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 20 ounces (566 grams) cheese tortellini, uncooked
• 10 ounces (283 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella pearls
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• ¼ cup chopped basil

Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¾ teaspoon italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• Balsamic glaze (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the tortellini by boiling in salted water until they float and reach a tender yet firm consistency, following package guidance for precise cooking time.
2. While pasta cooks, gather and precisely chop fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves into uniform bite-sized pieces.
3. Drain tortellini thoroughly and rinse under cool water to halt the cooking process and prevent further softening, allowing the pasta to cool slightly.
4. Transfer cooled tortellini into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a foundation for the salad.
5. Incorporate fresh baby spinach leaves, ensuring they are crisp and vibrant green, gently mixing with the tortellini.
6. Introduce chopped mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Mince fresh garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic essence into the salad.
8. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar across the ingredients, creating a light, glossy coating.
9. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive flavor distribution.
10. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to chill.
11. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
12. Optional: Finish with a delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze for added complexity and visual appeal.
13. Store in an airtight container within the refrigerator, consuming within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Notes

• Make this salad ahead of time for quick, delicious meal prep that tastes even better after flavors meld together overnight.
• Choose fresh, high-quality mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant and authentic caprese experience.
• Rinse tortellini with cool water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
• Gently toss ingredients to keep delicate tortellini and fresh herbs intact without breaking or bruising.
• Adjust seasoning and olive oil just before serving to ensure each bite is perfectly balanced and not dry.
• When storing, keep the salad sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg