Description
Fresh Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad is a cool, cheesy pasta salad with tender mozzarella tortellini, juicy tomatoes, basil, and a sweet balsamic dressing. It is easy to prep ahead for lunches, cookouts, and simple summer dinners.
Ingredients
20 oz refrigerated mozzarella tortellini or 5 cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz sun dried tomatoes, roughly chopped, oil reserved
8 oz 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
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package directions until tender, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Drain, rinse gently under cool water, and let it drain well so the dressing stays glossy instead of watery.
- Make the dressing: In a jar or bowl, whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt until smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt or a small squeeze of lemon if needed.
- Prep the salad ingredients: Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the sun dried tomatoes, finely dice the red onions, and tear or slice the basil. Pat the mozzarella pearls dry so they stay creamy and do not loosen the salad.
- Toss everything together: Add the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, red onions, Parmesan, and basil to a large bowl. Pour in enough dressing to coat, then toss gently so the tortellini keeps its shape.
- Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes if time allows. Stir before serving, add a splash of reserved sun dried tomato oil or extra dressing if it looks dry, then drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Notes
For the freshest texture, save a little dressing and stir it in right before serving because tortellini keeps soaking it up as it chills. Bottled balsamic dressing works well in a pinch, and cubed fresh mozzarella can replace mozzarella pearls. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and do not freeze, since the tomatoes and mozzarella can turn watery.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salads, Lunch
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Calories: 485
Keywords: Caprese tortellini pasta salad, tortellini pasta salad, Caprese pasta salad