This Caprese tortellini pasta salad recipe is easy, fresh, and bursting with summer flavors! Mozzarella balls, balsamic glaze, basil, and plenty of tomatoes make this dish a winner.
This is the perfect summer tortellini salad! Once peak tomato season hits every year (early August through mid-September for those of us in North America), this is a great way to utilize them. And if you have fresh garden basil (one of my two varieties of plants lol), this salad definitely needs to be on your menu. This summer has been a bit of a washout for us, but our tomato plants miraculously survived all the rain. Bring on all the tomato salads.
Another cold tortellini salad you may like is my spinach tortellini salad!
This Caprese tortellini salad makes a great side dish or even a meatless main course. If you want to make it a meal and add some more protein, feel free to add in some rotisserie or leftover chicken. Easy peasy.
This pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or any summer gathering you can think of.
You may also like my Easy Chicken Caprese recipe.
Caprese tortellini salad ingredients:
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Onion (optional)
- Fresh basil
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze/drizzle
Where can I find balsamic glaze?
I bought mine in the section of the grocery store that has all the vinegars. The brand I used was called Nonna Pia's, but I live in Canada, so keep in mind it may not be available everywhere (I do believe it's sold in the USA as well, though). You can definitely also make your own balsamic reduction if you wish - here's a recipe from The Kitchn.
More pasta salad recipes you may like:
- Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad
- Easy Greek Pasta Salad
- Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
- Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad
Will you make this tortellini pasta salad with balsamic dressing? Questions? Ask me in the comments below.
Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 dry pint little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.) halved
- 12 ounces mozzarella balls halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion optional
- Generous handful fresh basil sliced/torn thin
- Balsamic glaze to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for the tortellini. Cook according to package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, prep your other ingredients.
- Once the tortellini is done, rinse it under cold water, drain it for a few minutes, then add it to a large bowl along with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and some salt & pepper (I am generous with both). Toss.
- Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, onion (if using), and basil to the salad bowl.
- Add the remaining olive oil and balsamic glaze to the salad and toss. I don't list a quantity for the balsamic glaze because it really depends on your personal preferences. Taste and adjust as needed.
- You can chill the salad for 30 minutes prior to serving or dig in right away.
Notes
- I prefer buying the mozzarella balls that are packed in oil & herbs because they have more flavor.
- If you're making this salad ahead, I suggest adding the basil, balsamic drizzle, and second tablespoon of olive oil just prior to serving.
- Serves 6-8 as a side dish or 4 as a main course.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. With this recipe especially, the amounts of ingredients like balsamic glaze will vary.
Margot says
So easy to make and sooooo delicious! It is perfect for a summer day meal, and will be apart of our regular rotation now!
Natasha says
Wonderful! Thanks for commenting, Margot! 🙂
Tammy Ellis says
I'll be making this on the weekend. I love Nonna Pia- this is exactly what I'm looking for!
Natasha says
Wonderful! Enjoy, Tammy 🙂
Erin says
I made this as a side for our grilled steaks and it was delicious! Even my picky kid who doesn't normally like vinegar devoured it.
Natasha says
That's great to hear!!
Cassidy says
Did you use a balsamic glaze with added sugar? I noticed one that I bought was quite sweet and had some added sugar, not sure if that would work with this
Natasha says
Hi! I just checked the one in my pantry (I think it's the same brand as I used to make this recipe), and it does have some added sugar. I think most of them do so that should be totally fine!
Janice says
Thx for instructions on making glaze. Love the recipe, quick fix for weekday dinners, lunch.
Natasha says
You're welcome! 🙂
sheenam @ thetwincookingproject says
Natasha this looks SOOOO yummy!!!
Natasha says
Thanks so much!
kim seaback says
LOVE !
Natasha says
🙂