Description
This vibrant Tortellini Caprese Salad is a fresh, flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for a light lunch or a side for dinner. Combining tender cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a zesty balsamic and garlic dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and can be enjoyed chilled.
Ingredients
Tortellini
- 20 oz cheese tortellini, uncooked (approximately 5 cups uncooked)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz Mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Optional
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook 20 oz of cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the water, then rinse the tortellini under cool running water for a few seconds to stop the cooking and cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cooked tortellini in a medium to large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup chopped spinach, 10 oz halved cherry tomatoes, 8 oz mozzarella pearls, 1/4 cup chopped basil, and minced garlic cloves (3-4). Pour in 1/2 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Season with 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Toss the Salad: Toss all ingredients thoroughly to combine, ensuring the dressing evenly coats the tortellini and vegetables.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve. Before serving, toss well again to redistribute the olive oil and dressing, adding a little more olive oil if the salad seems dry.
- Add the Final Touch: Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor and a nice presentation.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use cheese tortellini for the best flavor and texture in this salad.
- Rinsing the cooked tortellini with cold water stops the cooking process and cools it to maintain a pleasant texture.
- The salad is best served chilled but can be taken out a few minutes beforehand to come closer to room temperature for enhanced flavor.
- Feel free to add extra basil or other fresh herbs like parsley for variation.
- The balsamic glaze is optional but adds a nice touch of sweetness and tang.
- This salad holds well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, making it great for meal prep or parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
