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Easy Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad photo

Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad

A bright, easy tortellini Caprese pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil and a simple balsamic vinaigrette.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 14 ounces cheese tortellini or your favorite tortellini
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 16 ounces cherry tomatoes halved if desired (grape or other small tomatoes may be substituted)
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese pearls drained if sold in liquid
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach roughly chopped
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh basil thinly sliced (chiffonade)
  • balsamic glaze for drizzling as desired

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • medium bowl or measuring cup
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the tortellini and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking; transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, onion powder, kosher salt and black pepper; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, chopped baby spinach and sliced basil to the bowl with tortellini.
  5. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated; taste and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar for brightness.
  6. If serving immediately, drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad to taste; otherwise cover and refrigerate 30–60 minutes, then add glaze just before serving.

Notes

  • For the balsamic glaze, you can use a store-bought glaze or a homemade recipe.
  • Do not add the final balsamic glaze until just before serving if making ahead.
  • If making the salad ahead, avoid halving tomatoes to reduce extra liquid.
  • Taste the vinaigrette and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar as needed.