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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.

Caprese tortellini salad close-up

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 (I always plant some in the summer!), this salad definitely needs to be on your menu. 

This pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or any summer gathering you can think of (Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.).

Another cold tortellini salad you may like is my spinach tortellini salad

Caprese tortellini pasta salad in a glass prep bowl

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 chicken or leftover baked chicken breasts. Easy peasy. 

You may also like my Easy Chicken Caprese recipe if you’re loving these flavors!

Caprese tortellini pasta salad in a large bowl

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:

close-up picture of cold tortellini salad

Will you make this tortellini pasta salad with balsamic dressing? Questions? Ask me in the comments below or write me a review.

Caprese tortellini salad close-up
5 from 7 votes

Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad

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.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

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.
     

Nutrition

Calories: 487kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 56mg, Sodium: 451mg, Potassium: 7mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 37IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 338mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Hi! I’m Natasha.

Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!

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20 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made this last night and it was wonderful. It’s very similar to an appetizer I make frequently and is just delicious. Some fresh baby spinach is a nice addition. Easy pasta salad, will be made frequently.

  2. 5 stars
    Absolutely delicious, perfect for a dinner on the patio. Served as a side to air fried salmon and bbq chicken sliders.

  3. 5 stars
    So easy to make and sooooo delicious! It is perfect for a summer day meal, and will be apart of our regular rotation now!

  4. 5 stars
    I’ll be making this on the weekend. I love Nonna Pia- this is exactly what I’m looking for!

  5. 5 stars
    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.

  6. 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

    1. 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!