0 from 93 votes
Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
Just when you thought pasta salad couldn't get any better: This caprese tortellini pasta salad is ready to rock your next party or BBQ!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
18 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 280 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Italian , American
Ingredients
- 9 oz fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella balls (marinated or regular)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup Italian dressing (see below for recipe)
- fresh basil, to taste
Speedy Homemade Italian Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 1 TBSP Italian seasoning blend (Mrs. Dash is my favorite!)
- ½ TBSP garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil.
- Add your tortellini and reduce heat to gently cook the pasta to either tender or al-dente according to package directions.
- Grab a noodle to taste-test and remove from heat.
- Strain/drain in a colander and run under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent soggy noodles.
- Transfer into a medium-large serving bowl along with mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and basil.
- FOR THE DRESSING: whisk all ingredients together and allow to sit. Giving the dressing some time to mingle will not only infuse flavor into the oil/vinegar but also soften the dry herbs and seasoning. This dressing will keep in your fridge for about a week so make extra to drizzle over a week's worth of salads!
- Pour in dressing and toss to coat.
- Dig in!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Recipe yields 4-6 servings. We usually go with 4 portions for a side dish with dinner or 6 or more smaller servings when having a party or shindig with lots of different foods.
- The above measurements are simply a jumping off point; use as much or as little as you need! This dish comes together in a matter of minutes and is perfect for a last minute meal or an impromptu side dish for a summer BBQ or party!
- If your local grocery store has an antipasto bar with fresh marinated mozzarella balls, those will work gloriously too! You can even use a regular block of whole milk mozzarella cheese and marinate it in some extra homemade (or even store bought!) Italian dressing if you'd like! It's super customizable and so delicious!
- Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Calories
280kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
23g
(8%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
17g
(26%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Cholesterol
23mg
(8%)
Sodium
305mg
(13%)
Potassium
192mg
(5%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
400IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
18mg
(20%)
Calcium
150mg
(15%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 280
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 280kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 305mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 192mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 400IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 150mg | 15% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.