Name: Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 350g cheese tortellini; 4 cups mixed greens; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup mini bocconcini (mini mozzarella), halved; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; Handful of fresh basil leaves (whole or sliced into strips); ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp fine sea salt; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 53 reviews

If you are searching for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious salad that brings together the best of Italian flavors, look no further than this Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe. It combines pillowy cheese tortellini with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mini bocconcini, fragrant basil, and a perfectly balanced dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this dish is a true celebration of summer ingredients and Italian classics all tossed together in one irresistible salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side views of fresh tortellini pasta. On the left, many light yellow tortellini float in boiling water inside a shiny metal pot, with bubbles visible around them. On the right, the cooked tortellini sit inside a bright red colander, showing their folded, ring-like shapes and soft texture on a white marbled surface. The red colander contrasts with the pale pasta color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first easy step to making this Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe shine. Each element is simple but essential, contributing distinct textures, fresh flavors, and beautiful colors that make this salad not just tasty, but a feast for the eyes.

350g cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, providing a rich and satisfying base with delicate cheesy filling.
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds smooth richness and helps tie the dressing together with its fruity notes.
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Brings a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the creamy cheese and fresh vegetables.
1 tsp dried oregano: Introduces a warm, herbaceous aroma reminiscent of Italian summers.
½ tsp fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds just a hint of piquancy for depth.
4 cups greens: A mix like arugula, spinach, or baby kale provides freshness and a slight peppery crunch.
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity bring vibrancy and moisture.
1 cup mini bocconcini, halved: Creamy, tender mozzarella balls that melt in your mouth.
1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds crispness and just enough sharpness to contrast the salad’s mild components.
Handful of fresh basil: The aromatic herb that ties everything together with its sweet, peppery flavor.
Balsamic glaze for serving (optional): A luscious finishing touch that intensifies the balsamic notes and adds a glossy look.

How to Make Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Begin by boiling the cheese tortellini in salted water according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes until they float and feel tender. Once cooked, drain them well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad’s fresh vibe.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This simple but flavorful dressing will coat the ingredients beautifully and bring a perfect balance of tang and richness.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, toss together the cooled tortellini, greens, cherry tomatoes, mini bocconcini, and thinly sliced red onion. Pour over the dressing and gently toss to ensure every bite gets an even coating.

Step 4: Add Fresh Basil and Final Touches

Just before serving, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. This final addition bursts with fragrance and adds a refreshing herbal lift. If you love a touch of sweetness, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an enticing glossy finish.

How to Serve Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe

The image shows two white bowls on a white marbled surface with tile patterns. The bowl on the left is filled with fresh mixed leafy greens of different shades of green and purple, creating a varied textured base. The bowl on the right is a colorful pasta salad with three main layers: the bottom layer has light yellow pasta shells, the middle layer has bright red cherry tomato halves, small white mozzarella balls, and thin slices of purple onion, and the top layer has green leafy herbs scattered evenly, adding a fresh touch. Both bowls are surrounded by partial bowls of salad greens and herbs creating a fresh, vibrant setting photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper or a few extra torn basil leaves on top. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can also heighten the flavors and add a delicate crunch.

Side Dishes

This Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or grilled chicken breasts for a complete summer meal. It’s perfect as a hearty lunch on its own or alongside your favorite antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, and roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in individual glass jars or small bowls for a charming picnic option or party appetizer. Layering the ingredients can create a stunning visual effect, and guests can shake and mix as they please. Or build it on a wooden board as part of a colorful Italian spread to share with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Toss the salad ingredients together and keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days. For best freshness, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Freezing

Because this salad is best enjoyed fresh and includes fresh greens and cheese, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the tortellini also changes when frozen and thawed, so it’s best to make it fresh or consume leftovers promptly.

Reheating

If you prefer your tortellini warm, gently reheat just the pasta portion in a pan or microwave before mixing with the fresh salad ingredients. Avoid reheating the entire salad to keep the greens crisp and cheese fresh.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tortellini for this salad?

Absolutely! Store-bought cheese tortellini works beautifully and saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just cook according to package instructions and chill before mixing.

Is mini bocconcini the same as mozzarella balls?

Yes, mini bocconcini are just small mozzarella balls, which are perfect for salads because they’re tender, creamy, and bite-sized.

Can I make this Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the cheese tortellini with a plant-based alternative and replace bocconcini with vegan mozzarella or marinated tofu.

What greens work best in this salad?

Arugula, baby spinach, or mixed spring greens all provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint that complements the creamy cheese and sweet tomatoes.

How long does this salad keep well in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container and with dressing separated, this salad stays fresh and delicious for about two days.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, this Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s easy, colorful, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for warm days, gatherings, or anytime you crave something fresh and satisfying. Grab your ingredients and give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Tortellini Caprese Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need