Description
Delightful caprese tortellini pasta salad brings Mediterranean sunshine to summer gatherings with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil. Refreshing ingredients blend perfectly, creating a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at picnics and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (20 ounces / 567 grams) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1.5 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved if large
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced
Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Ingredient:
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the tortellini by bringing a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil, carefully cooking the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture according to package guidance.
- Immediately transfer the cooked tortellini to a colander, rinsing thoroughly with cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Allow the tortellini to cool completely, spreading them out to ensure even temperature reduction and prevent sticking.
- Select a spacious mixing bowl and gently add the cooled tortellini as the foundational layer of the salad.
- Incorporate vibrant cherry tomatoes, carefully halving them to release their juicy essence and distribute flavor more evenly.
- Introduce fresh mozzarella balls, creating a creamy contrast to the pasta and tomatoes.
- Delicately tear fresh basil leaves, scattering them throughout the mixture to infuse an aromatic herbaceous note.
- Craft a light dressing by drizzling extra virgin olive oil across the salad, ensuring a smooth and even coating.
- Enhance the flavor profile by adding a luxurious balsamic glaze, creating a sweet and tangy undertone.
- Season the salad with a precise blend of salt and freshly ground black pepper, balancing the overall taste.
- Gently fold the ingredients together, taking care not to break the delicate tortellini or compress the ingredients.
- Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Before serving, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a light sprinkle of aged Parmesan cheese.
- Present the chilled salad as a refreshing and elegant side dish or light meal.
Notes
- Choose cheese tortellini for a classic flavor or experiment with spinach or meat-filled varieties to add depth to the dish.
- Ensure tortellini is completely cooled before mixing to prevent cheese from melting and maintain the salad’s fresh texture.
- Use high-quality fresh mozzarella balls for a creamy, authentic taste that complements the tangy balsamic glaze.
- Prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time to allow flavors to develop and blend, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg