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A twist on the classic, this Tortellini Caprese Salad is the pasta salad of the summer--and every season in between. Toss it together in 10 minutes and enjoy the fresh flavors of basil, tomatoes, cheesy tortellini and a delicious balsamic glaze. A perfect side but also hearty enough for a meal!
Tomato, basil and mozzarella--the absolute best combo there is. Don't argue with me, I will win!
From Marinated Mozzarella Skewers, to Tomato Basil Pasta Salad and all the way to a Caprese Farro Salad--my love for it all runs deep. And one bite of this Tortellini Caprese Salad will have you in love too!
Why You Will Love This Tortellini Pasta Salad:
- It's so simple to make! Once you cook the tortellini, it's only a matter of tossing everything together. Minimal chopping--just the tomatoes, basil and spinach. That takes all of 5 minutes max! Gotta love a simple recipe!
- Ready in under 30 minutes. Tortellini cooks up in just a few minutes, much more quickly than many pastas out there. While it cooks, you can prep everything else and minimize any extra time.
- Incredibly fresh summer flavors. Fresh tomatoes from the garden? Basil too? If this tortellini pasta salad doesn't scream fresh summer flavors, I am not sure what does! A perfect post farmer's market dish to whip up.
- A pasta salad that fills you up as more than just a side dish. I love pasta salads as a side, but we have also eaten this tortellini caprese salad for dinner. A bit of crusty bread and a glass of wine and dinner on the patio is done! This Lemon Orzo Salad is another great option!
Ingredients and Substitutions:
- tortellini: We use cheese tortellini for this tortellini pasta salad. It pairs perfectly with this tortellini salad. Your favorite tortellini should work if you want to switch it up. Spinach ricotta tortellini is my next choice. If you have a favorite gluten free tortellini, you can use it to make the recipe gluten free. I am not aware of a good one, so leave a comment with your fave!
- tomatoes: I have used cherry or grape tomatoes. Both work well. Any small, poppable tomato will do!
- basil: fresh basil is the star of this tortellini caprese salad recipe so I really don't suggest substituting it for dried. Did you know you can freeze basil to preserve it all year round?
- olive oil: just like the basil, the olive oil will really enhance the flavor of the pasta salad. A really nice olive oil will definitely make a difference, but don't feel the need to go out and spend any extra cash. Use what you have and it will still be excellent.
- balsamic glaze: totally optional but if you have it, totally worth it. I make a balsamic maple glaze in another dish and its so so good. There are some amazing store bought options and you can find them right with the balsamic vinegar. Add the balsamic glaze as generously as you like!
- mozzarella pearls: fresh is key here as well. You don't have to use the pearls. You can use any fresh mozzarella and just cut it down into bite sized pieces.
- garlic and Italian seasoning: great addition to the flavor. If you don't have fresh garlic, add some garlic powder instead to taste. About ½ to 1 teaspoon should work.
How to make this Tortellini Caprese Salad:
- Cook the tortellini according to package. Once cooked strain and toss it with cold water several times.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach, basil and garlic.
- Pour over the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and italian seasoning and toss well to combine.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, add more olive oil if it seems a bit dry. Chill until ready to serve.
Chef's Tips:
- Add extra olive oil when serving if the tortellini caprese salad has been sitting in the refrigerator for more than a couple of hours as the olive oil will be absorbed and can dry up the pasta a bit.
- Always toss this pasta salad just before serving to redistribute the olive oil that sets to the bottom. I like to do so after it has been sitting out for about 10 minutes so the oil can come to room temperature and liquify again.
- The balsamic glaze is optional in this tortellini salad, but a perfect addition when serving. Not only does it make the tortellini salad look gorgeous, but it adds a layer of flavor that is incomparable.
What to serve this Tortellini Caprese Salad with:
Is it too much to pair this with Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken? Yes, it probably is, but you will have many of the same ingredients so you can at least make it the next night.
If you are grilling out, some turkey burgers stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes would be excellent. Spinach Ricotta Chicken may work well too. And a salad kind of night could be a thing. Pair it with this Spring Green Salad and a fresh loaf of bread. A perfect meal!
Other Salad Recipes:
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
- Chickpea Avocado Salad
- Summer Strawberry Quinoa Salad
- Cucumber Dill Feta Salad
- Blackberry Spinach Salad with Blackberry Thyme Infused Olive Oil
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Tortellini Caprese Salad
A twist on the classic, this Tortellini Caprese Salad is the pasta salad of the summer--and every season in between. Toss it together in 10 minutes and enjoy the fresh flavors of basil, tomatoes, cheesy tortellini and a delicious balsamic glaze. A perfect side but also hearty enough for a meal!
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Servings: 8
Calories: 391kcal
Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini, uncooked approximately 5 cups uncooked
- 10 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz. Mozzarella pearls
- 1 c chopped spinach
- ¼ c chopped basil
- ½ c olive oil
- 2 T balsamic vinegar
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepper
- Balsamic glaze optional
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to instructions. Prep and chop all other ingredients and set aside.
- When tortellini is cooked al dente, strain the water and then rinse with cool water for a few seconds to cool it slightly. Add the tortellini to a medium to large bowl. Add in the spinach, tomatoes, basil and garlic. Pour over the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and add the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Toss the salad well to combine.
- Chill until ready to serve. When ready to serve, toss well to redistribute the olive oil that is on the bottom of the bowl. Add more olive oil if it seems too dry. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Add extra olive oil when serving if the tortellini caprese salad has been sitting in the refrigerator for more than a couple of hours as the olive oil will be absorbed and can dry up the pasta a bit.
- Always toss just before serving to redistribute the olive oil that sets to the bottom.
Nutrition
Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 481mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 568IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 217mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you try this recipe? I would love to see it! Mention @LemonsAndZest or tag #LemonsAndZest!
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Mary says
Made exactly as written. It was delicious! When I had it for lunch the next day, I added a little more spinach. Balsamic glaze adds a lot. Thank you!
Lorie says
Thanks for sharing Mary! And I agree 100% on the balsamic glaze!!
Crissy says
This was so delicious! One of my favorite things to eat! Great recipe!
Lorie says
Oh my goodness, you and me both, Crissy. It is our favorite, and happy to hear its yours as well!
lisa says
WOW this salad is wonderful. The second time I made it I added left over chicken breast and had some fresh asparagus. I will make it again and again
Lorie says
Lisa! Thanks so much for commenting. This is literally on repeat all spring and summer in our house. Enjoy it!!
Brenda says
I've lost the number of times I've made this deliciousness! Thank you so much! Tomorrow it will be the 'salad' to my birthday spaghetti! (I added mini turkey pepperoni to it for tomorrow. I CAN"T WAIT TO HAVE IT!!! I may have to have some after midnight for an early b-day snack!)
Lorie says
Well happy birthday! And I just grabbed more turkey pepperoni to add to my next batch. So glad you share the love for this pasta salad because we eat it on REPEAT as well!
Sheryl says
My DIL made this for our July 4th barbecue and it was delicious! I had to get the recipe. We’re having a salad social with my church ladies group and I’m taking this. I just made it. So easy to prepare. I’m excited to take it tomorrow!
Lorie says
So glad this is a hit Sheryl!! One of our faves as well! Enjoy the social!
Alicia says
The best!! And don’t forget the glaze !! Thank you.
Lorie says
Wonderful! And I agree, the glaze makes it so so so good!!
Alexis says
Do you think it would be fine to use avocado oil instead of olive oil? 🙂
Lorie says
Hi Alexis! I am certain the avocado oil would work fine. The flavor is what will be very different. Olive oil gives the dish the signature caprese salad flavor. But if you are a fan of avocado oil, then I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t use it instead!
Susan Toth says
Hi what kind of garlic and Italian seasoning are you using I want to try this recipe
Lorie says
Hi! Just regular garlic cloves minced or you can buy the pre-minced garlic in a jar in the produce section. I usually use the Kroger brand Italian seasoning or whatever else I can find at the grocery. Hope you enjoy!
Marita Eggers says
It Was a Hit! I made this for a family gathering over the weekend and it was gone. I had three people ask me for the recipe. It really was so good and easy. I just threw it together about an hour and a half before we had to leave, making sure it was in the frig until we left. Gave it a stir when we got there and drizzled the balsamic glaze over the top. I didn't get much myself, so plan on making it again very soon for some lite summer suppers for myself!
Lorie says
Oh my gosh so happy to hear this! But also sorry you didn't get much--next time hide a bowl for yourself!! Ha!
Rachel says
3rd time making this and have plans to make it for another get-together. It's AMAZING and perfect for summer! Don't forget to add the extra balsamic glaze when serving, store bought kind works great! Oh and try adding crumbled bacon 😋
Lorie says
Ohhh crumbled bacon? Genius!!! I’ve been making this one every other week lately. Yay!!!
Kristen says
Could this be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator and tossed right before serving?
Lorie says
Absolutely it can!!