Tortellini Caprese Salad (Printable View)

Fresh tortellini paired with classic Caprese ingredients in a light balsamic dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated

→ Vegetables & Herbs

02 - 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
04 - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1½ tbsp balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
07 - 1 garlic clove, minced
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Prepare:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to halt cooking and cool the pasta.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, halved bocconcini, and torn basil leaves.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under twenty five minutes, which means you can literally make it while your guests are walking through the door.
  • The balsamic glaze clings to every curve of the tortellini and turns each bite into something you did not know a cold salad could be.
02 -
  • Rinsing the tortellini under cold water is not optional here because warm pasta will melt the mozzarella into a sad stretchy mess.
  • If you use balsamic vinegar instead of glaze, reduce it in a small pan for two minutes until it thickens or the dressing will be too runny.
03 -
  • Let the tortellini dry on a clean kitchen towel for five minutes after rinsing because excess water dilutes the dressing.
  • Always taste a cherry tomato before you commit the whole batch because a flavorless tomato will drag the entire salad down with it.

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