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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- While pasta cooks, gather and precisely chop fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Drain tortellini thoroughly and rinse under cool water to halt the cooking process and prevent further softening, allowing the pasta to cool slightly.
- Transfer cooled tortellini into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a foundation for the salad.
- Incorporate fresh baby spinach leaves, ensuring they are crisp and vibrant green, gently mixing with the tortellini.
- Introduce chopped mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves, distributing ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
- Mince fresh garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic essence into the salad.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar across the ingredients, creating a light, glossy coating.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive flavor distribution.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to chill.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
- Optional: Finish with a delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze for added complexity and visual appeal.
- 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