Description
To understand this dish, we have to look at its individual components. A traditional Caprese salad is a simple Italian favorite consisting of sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and sweet basil, seasoned with salt and olive oil. It is designed to showcase the purity of its ingredients. By turning this into a Caprese Pesto Tortellini Salad, we take those iconic flavors and merge them with tender, cheese-filled tortellini and a rich, aromatic pesto sauce.
Ingredients
20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
1½–2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
2 Tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra silkiness)
1 Tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
Cook the tortellini
Cook tortellini in well-salted boiling water according to package directions.
Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
Dress the salad
Add pesto and olive oil (if using).
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Season & finish
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil if desired.
Serve
Serve immediately or chill for 20–30 minutes for best flavor.
Notes
For extra flavor, add toasted pine nuts or sliced olives for a savory bite. You can also swap in sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, richer taste. This salad is delicious served slightly chilled or at room temperature—just give it a gentle toss before serving to refresh the pesto coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 450 kcal
Keywords: Pesto Tortellini Caprese Salad, Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad, Pesto Caprese Pasta, Cheese Tortellini Salad with Pesto