Tortellini Caprese Salad

Are you looking for a side dish for your next party, potluck, or get-together? I’ve got just the thing! While regular pasta salad is always a classic, sometimes I want a dish that’s a little different. Enter: Tortellini Caprese Salad.

With cheesy tortellini, cherry tomatoes, basil, spinach, and of course, mozzarella, this is one recipe you won’t want to pass up! Go ahead and watch the video below to see how easily it all comes together.

Not only is this salad colorful and delicious to boot, but it only takes 15 minutes to throw together. That’s definitely a win-win in my book! This Tortellini Caprese Salad has all the flavors of a refreshing summer dish coupled with mouthwatering cheesy noodles. What’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of quick and easy recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, this Tortellini Caprese Salad is for you. It’s vibrant, fresh, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a delightful twist on the traditional Caprese salad, adding heartiness with tortellini.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling tortellini
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or salad tongs for mixing

Ingredients

• 20 oz cheese tortellini, uncooked (approximately 5 cups uncooked)
• 10 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz. Mozzarella pearls
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup chopped basil
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions for Preparing the Recipe

1. Cook tortellini according to the package instructions. As the pasta cooks, prep and chop all other ingredients and set them aside.
2. Once the tortellini is cooked, strain the water using a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process.
3. In a large bowl, combine tortellini, spinach, tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and garlic.
4. Pour in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss the salad well to combine all ingredients.
5. Chill the salad until you’re ready to serve. Before serving, toss it well to redistribute the olive oil that has settled at the bottom. Add more olive oil if the salad seems too dry and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
6. Store leftover salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Tips for Success

• Rinse the tortellini with cool water to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the basil and spinach.
• If you find the salad dry after chilling, add a bit more olive oil before serving.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to customize this salad by adding ingredients like sliced olives, roasted red peppers, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. You can also experiment with different types of tortellini, such as spinach or mushroom, for a unique twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This Tortellini Caprese Salad is rich in protein and healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese. It’s also a great source of vitamins A and C from the spinach and tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and toss it before serving.

What can I use instead of mozzarella pearls? You can use diced fresh mozzarella or even bocconcini if you prefer.

Is this salad served warm or cold? This salad is best served cold, making it perfect for hot summer days.

Conclusion

This Tortellini Caprese Salad is a delightful addition to any meal and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I invite you to try this recipe and share your experience. Did you add any personal twists? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!