Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
Description
Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad is a cold pasta dish built around fresh cheese tortellini, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, highlighted by a zesty homemade Italian dressing. The tortellini is cooked just to tenderness, then rinsed in cold water to stop cooking and keep the noodles firm. Fresh mozzarella balls and halved cherry tomatoes contribute milky creaminess and juicy sweetness. The dressing, made with olive oil, white vinegar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, is whisked and rested to marry flavors and soften dry herbs.
The salad's balance of cool pasta, rich cheese, and the tangy vinaigrette creates a refreshing texture and taste experience suited for warm weather meals. It's typically served chilled as a side or light main in gatherings or as a quick, last-minute dish. Basil leaves add a touch of herbal brightness that complements the other ingredients. Adjusting the amounts of mozzarella and dressing can adapt the salad to suit events of different sizes.
The recipe notes suggest using marinated mozzarella from an antipasto bar or marinating block mozzarella yourself for deeper flavor. Portioning can range from four fuller dinner side servings to six or more appetizer portions for a party. Dressing keeps for about a week, allowing for make-ahead convenience and versatility in other salads.
Ingredients
- 9 oz cheese tortellini fresh, refrigerated
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella marinated or regular, balls
- 1 pint cherry tomato
- ½ cup Italian dressing (see below for recipe)
- basil fresh, 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!
Notes
- Adjust ingredient quantities to fit portion needs; recipe serves 4-6 depending on use.
- Using marinated mozzarella or marinating your own adds richer flavor to the salad.
- Dressing can be made ahead and stored up to one week for convenient use beyond this salad.
- Rinsing cooked tortellini under cold water halts cooking and keeps noodles firm.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 280 kcal
% 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.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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