Tortellini Caprese Salad
A fresh and colorful Tortellini Caprese Salad combining tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and refreshing basil, perfect for any gathering or light meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 20 oz cheese tortellini, uncooked (approximately 5 cups uncooked) Opt for high-quality cheese tortellini for best flavor.
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls Alternatively, burrata can be used for a creamier touch.
- 1 cup chopped spinach Provides essential vitamins and minerals.
- 1/4 cup chopped basil Fresh basil is crucial for authentic flavor.
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil Introduces healthy fats.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Optional
- Balsamic glaze For drizzling before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 3-4 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to prepare the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, chopped spinach, and chopped basil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a day. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness. Consider adding pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch, and experiment with herbs like fresh oregano or parsley for variation.