There are a few dishes that instantly bring summer to mind—juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella all tossed together in a bowl. Tortellini Caprese Salad is one of those recipes that feels like a backyard gathering, a warm evening, and laughter around the picnic table.

I first stumbled upon this tortellini twist during a family reunion at my aunt’s cottage. Amid all the grilled meats and baked casseroles, this cold pasta salad stood out: a mix of cheese tortellini, sweet cherry tomatoes, basil leaves fresh from her garden, and mozzarella pearls glistening in olive oil. It was the first bowl to empty, and for good reason.

Traditionally, a Caprese salad hails from Italy’s southern coast, featuring just a few fresh ingredients. This recipe honors those roots while adding a hearty, comforting touch with tender cheese-filled tortellini. Whether you’re looking for a side for a summer BBQ, a light dinner option, or a dish to bring to a potluck, this Tortellini Caprese Salad is a reliable go-to—quick, easy, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• It’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute get-togethers.
• Can be made ahead and served cold or at room temperature.
• Combines fresh flavors with hearty pasta, making it a filling side or a light main.
• Customizable with extra veggies or proteins if you’d like to bulk it up.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 18 oz cheese tortellini
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz mozzarella pearls
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1–2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Tortellini Caprese Salad:

Bringing together the freshness of Caprese and the comfort of pasta, this salad comes together in no time.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually 3–5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook—they should be tender but still hold their shape.

Step 2: Rinse and Cool
Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Let them drain well.

Step 3: Toss with Flavor
In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil. Pour in olive oil and add balsamic vinegar if using. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Mix and Chill
Toss everything gently until evenly coated. You can serve it right away, but it’s even better if you let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe a touch more salt or another drizzle of oil.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Make it ahead: This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to two days.
• Add a twist: Try adding diced avocado, grilled chicken, or beef sausage slices for extra protein.
• Keep it vibrant: Add the basil right before serving to keep it looking fresh and green.
• Use quality ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes make all the difference.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boil
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• Tortellini Caprese Salad is a versatile dish that adapts well to different dietary needs—just use gluten-free tortellini if necessary.
• Don’t skip the rinse step after cooking tortellini—it’s key to keeping the pasta from becoming mushy.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is a tortellini Caprese salad?
Tortellini Caprese salad combines classic Caprese ingredients—tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil—with tender cheese tortellini. It’s tossed in olive oil or a balsamic glaze for a refreshing and hearty twist on the traditional salad. Perfect served chilled or at room temperature, it’s ideal for picnics and summer meals.

What is tortellini pasta salad?
Tortellini pasta salad is a flavorful dish made with cooked tortellini, fresh vegetables like tomatoes and sweet corn, herbs like basil, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a great option for a light lunch or as a side dish at barbecues and gatherings. Serve it chilled for the best taste.

How do you make a tortellini salad?
To make a tortellini salad, cook and cool cheese tortellini, then mix with chopped tomatoes, fresh spinach, mozzarella, basil, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, then toss and chill before serving for full flavor.

What can I use in a Caprese salad?
In a Caprese salad, use fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil as the core ingredients. Enhance it with additions like avocado for creaminess or cheese tortellini for a hearty pasta twist. Finish with olive oil, a touch of balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of sea salt for balance.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftover Tortellini Caprese Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best enjoyed within 2–3 days. Give it a stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen the flavors.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad
• Healthy Ranch Chicken Salad
• Easy Caprese Salad with Spinach
• Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad

CONCLUSION:

This Tortellini Caprese Salad is everything you want in a summer dish—bright, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a potluck, or just a breezy weekday dinner. From its vibrant colors to its fresh, familiar ingredients, it’s a celebration of the season in every bite.

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