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To make this fresh and zesty salad, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 package (12 oz) cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, cut in half - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste You can easily swap some ingredients if you want a twist: - Use spinach or arugula instead of basil for a different flavor. - Swap cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers for added crunch. - Try using ricotta or feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a new taste. - Replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan option. Fresh ingredients shine in this salad. They bring bright colors and bold flavors. - Fresh basil gives a sweet and peppery kick. - Ripe cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst with each bite. - Quality mozzarella has a creamy texture that enhances the dish. - Using good olive oil and balsamic vinegar makes the dressing rich and tasty. When you use fresh ingredients, the taste becomes vibrant and exciting. Always aim for the best quality to elevate your dishes! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take a package of cheese tortellini. Cook it as the package says. After cooking, drain the tortellini and rinse it with cold water. This step cools it down fast. Once cooled, put the tortellini in a big mixing bowl. This is the base of your salad. Next, grab your fresh ingredients. Cut one cup of cherry tomatoes in half. Then, cut one cup of fresh mozzarella balls in half too. Tear half a cup of fresh basil leaves roughly. Add all these ingredients to the bowl with the tortellini. Gently mix everything together. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil, two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and one tablespoon of honey. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for taste. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth. Drizzle this dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently again. Make sure all the salad is coated well. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time enhances the flavors. When ready to serve, give it one last gentle toss. Enjoy your fresh and zesty Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad! To cook tortellini just right, follow these steps. Start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil before adding your tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Once they float to the top, they are done. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps them firm and fresh for the salad. Want to boost flavor? Here are some easy tips. Add more herbs like parsley or oregano for a fresh taste. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the salad and adds zing. For more depth, try adding garlic or red pepper flakes. You can also mix in olives or roasted peppers for a unique twist. Each of these options adds a nice layer of flavor. To serve this salad beautifully, use a large, shallow bowl. Arrange the tortellini, tomatoes, and mozzarella in colorful layers. Top it with whole basil leaves for a pop of color. Drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar right before serving. This adds shine and makes it even more appealing. A well-presented salad makes a great impression! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest tomatoes and basil to enhance the flavors of your pasta salad. Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and intensify, making each bite more delicious. Customize the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to your taste; adding more honey for sweetness or more balsamic for tang can elevate the dish. Presentation Matters: Serve the salad in a shallow bowl and garnish it with whole basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a stunning presentation. {{image_4}} You can make Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. Simply cook the chicken or shrimp until done. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss them into the salad with the tortellini. This addition makes the meal more filling and adds flavor. For a vegetarian twist, replace cheese tortellini with a veggie option. Look for tortellini made with spinach or other vegetables. To make it vegan, swap the mozzarella for avocado or vegan cheese. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious without dairy. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein and fiber. You can change the salad with seasonal veggies. Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus add great taste. Roast them in the oven until tender. Let them cool before mixing them in. This gives the dish a warm, savory touch. You can enjoy the salad all year round by using fresh, in-season produce. To store leftover tortellini caprese pasta salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it is sealed tightly. This will keep the salad fresh and prevent any odors from the fridge. You can also cover the bowl with plastic wrap if you do not have a container. The salad stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Keep it cool at all times. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like odd smells or changes in color, before eating. If you notice anything strange, it's best to throw it away. I do not recommend freezing this salad. The fresh ingredients, like basil and mozzarella, do not freeze well. They may lose their texture and flavor. If you have leftovers, it's best to enjoy them fresh within a few days. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I often prepare it a few hours in advance. This gives the flavors time to blend. Just chill it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Cover it well to keep it fresh. I recommend using cheese tortellini for this salad. The cheese adds a nice richness. Fresh tortellini is great if you can find it. Dried tortellini works too; just cook it well. To boost flavor, try adding more herbs. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano work well. You can also add garlic for a punch. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is nice. Consider using flavored olive oil or adding more balsamic vinegar for zing. Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad is simple and fun to make. We covered fresh ingredients, step-by-step prep, and useful tips. Remember, you can swap ingredients and add proteins for more flavor. Follow the storage tips to keep leftovers tasty. This salad is perfect for any meal. Enjoy creating your own version, and don't forget to experiment with different flavors!

Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, dressed in a light balsamic vinaigrette.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, cut in half
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Transfer the chilled tortellini to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, and roughly torn basil leaves to the bowl with the tortellini. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  • In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
  • Drizzle the prepared dressing over the tortellini mixture. Using a spatula or large wooden spoon, gently toss the salad until all components are nicely coated with the dressing.
  • Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired for extra flavor.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. This chilling time will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • When ready to serve, gently toss the salad one more time to redistribute the dressing. Serve cold or at room temperature for the best taste.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl and garnish with a few whole basil leaves on top. You may also drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar over the salad just before serving for a touch of elegance.
Keyword caprese, easy, fresh, pasta salad, tortellini