Description

Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad is a cool, cheesy tortellini salad tossed with tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a sweet balsamic dressing. It is bright, filling, and perfect for lunches, cookouts, or easy make ahead meals.

Ingredients

20 ounces refrigerated mozzarella tortellini, or five cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces sun dried tomatoes, roughly chopped, oil reserved
8 ounces mozzarella pearls, about 1 ¼ cups
⅓ cup red onions, finely diced
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ cup packed fresh basil leaves
Balsamic glaze, to drizzle on top
Balsamic Dressing or up to 1 ¼ cups bottled dressing of choice
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the tortellini: Boil the tortellini in salted water according to the package directions until tender, then drain and rinse gently with cool water.
Make the dressing: Whisk or shake the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon, lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until glossy.
Prep the add ins: Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the sun dried tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and tear or slice the basil.
Toss the salad: Add the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, red onion, Parmesan, and basil to a large bowl. Pour in most of the dressing and fold gently until coated.
Chill and finish: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, then stir again. Add more dressing or a spoonful of reserved sun dried tomato oil if needed, and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

Add the basil and balsamic glaze close to serving for the freshest color and best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and refresh with extra dressing if the tortellini absorbs too much.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian inspired

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad