Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad

Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad is cheese-filled tortellini mixed with classic caprese ingredients such as tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, topped with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette dressing. I also have a Chicken Caprese Salad you will want to try!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Then, let it cool completely before assembling the salad. I used cheese-filled tortellini, but you could try it with other varieties of tortellini, too! If preferred, you could also make the salad with other kinds of pasta like penne, rigatoni, cavatappi, or make homemade pasta!

Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of bright color that really stands out in the pasta salad. Grape tomatoes or Roma tomatoes would also be a good choice for the salad.

Onions: For their milder and sweeter flavor, I used a red onion. However, you could always choose your favorite type of onion.

Mozzarella: Look for mozzarella pearls to add to the salad. This is fresh mozzarella that adds a wonderful texture and appearance to the salad. It also has much more moisture when compared to shredded cheese. If using shredded mozzarella, it will work, but it will affect the overall presentation of the dish and won’t be as smooth and creamy.

Dressing: The dressing is a delicious blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Fresh Basil: With basil being a key ingredient in Caprese recipes, I cut it into ribbons to add it as garnish.

How To Cut Basil Into Ribbons

Cutting basil into ribbons, known as ‘chiffonade’, is a visually appealing way to present the basil (and other leafy greens and herbs) in a salad. To cut basil leaves into ribbons, follow these easy steps:

1. First, stack the washed and dried basil leaves.
2. Next, roll the stack of leaves into a tight cylinder.
3. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice across the roll of leaves. Aim for thin ribbons, about 1/8 to 1/4-inch wide. You can adjust the width according to your preference and the dish you’re preparing.
4. Once you’ve sliced through the roll, carefully separate the ribbons with your fingers. You’ll end up with beautiful, delicate strips of greens!

Can I Make The Salad Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can get the salad made in advance. In fact, I highly recommend letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour after it has been mixed. Letting it chill for a while gives all of the ingredients time to meld, giving you a full-flavored bite every time! You could also get the tortellini and dressing made ahead of time so they are ready to go when you are ready to make the salad.

Can I Add Protein to the Caprese Tortellini Salad?

Absolutely! To make the salad more substantial and filling, there are a few protein options you could add. Here are some suggestions:

• Sliced or diced grilled chicken breasts
• Cooked and chilled shrimp
• Crumbled, cooked Italian sausage
• Cooked chickpeas
• Tofu

How To Store Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad

To store caprese tortellini pasta salad, cover the bowl or keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 3-4 days. When serving, do not let the salad sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.