Caprese Tortellini Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Caprese, combining cheese-filled tortellini with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and basil. Everything is tossed together with a simple yet flavorful balsamic vinaigrette for a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any gathering. If you enjoy this salad, be sure to try our Caprese Chicken Salad, too!
What Is A Caprese Tortellini Salad?
This salad takes the traditional Caprese ingredients- fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil- and pairs them with hearty tortellini, making it a complete meal or a standout side dish. The combination of creamy cheese, sweet tomatoes, and bright herbs is always a winner, and the balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together with a tangy finish.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini works beautifully here, but you can also try other fillings like spinach or mushroom. Let the cooked tortellini cool completely before assembling the salad. If you’re in a pinch or want to switch things up, short pasta shapes like penne or cavatappi are great alternatives.
- Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Grape tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes are also great options.
- Onion: Red onion adds a mild, sweet bite. If you prefer, use white or sweet onion, or skip it entirely for a milder flavor.
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella pearls give the salad that creamy, fresh texture. If needed, shredded mozzarella will work, but the texture and presentation won’t be quite the same. You can also make your own Mozzarella and then cut it into small pieces.
- Dressing: A quick vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper brings everything together. We like to use this dressing on lettuce salad, too!
- Basil: Fresh basil is key to the Caprese flavor. Slice it into thin ribbons (chiffonade) for a beautiful finish.
Make-Ahead Tips for Caprese Tortellini Salad
Caprese Tortellini Salad is a great make-ahead option. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors come together even more. You can also prepare the tortellini and dressing ahead of time and combine everything when ready to serve.
Adding Protein
Want to turn this salad into a more filling meal? Add one of these protein options:
- Oven-Roasted Chicken
- Chilled shrimp
- Cooked Italian sausage
- Chickpeas
Each one complements the bright, fresh flavors of the salad while adding substance.
How to Store Caprese Tortellini Salad
Store Caprese Tortellini Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. When serving leftovers, be sure not to leave them out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Caprese Tortellini Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 package (19 ounces) cheese tortellini, cooked according to package instructions and cooled completely
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil, sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine tortellini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and mozzarella pearls.
- In a small bowl, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until fully combined.
- Pour the dressing over the tortellini mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving, if possible, for best flavor.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
This recipe is adapted from Iamhomesteader’s Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad.
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