Description
🍅 Transform your meal with this Quick Tortellini Caprese Pasta, showcasing delectable heirloom flavors and fresh ingredients.
🌿 Delight in the medley of basil, fresh mozzarella, and sweet tomatoes, all lightly coated with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
20 oz cheese tortellini (about 5 cups uncooked)
10 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or ciliegine, halved
1 cup chopped baby spinach
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
Balsamic glaze, optional for drizzling
Instructions
1. Cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine the tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach, basil, and minced garlic.
3. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mixture, along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
4. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Toss again before serving to redistribute the olive oil, adding extra if needed.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
🌱 Use fresh basil for the best flavor, as dried basil is less effective in bringing out the salad’s natural zest.
🌀 Rinsing the pasta with cold water helps stop the cooking process and swiftly cools it down for the salad.
🐟 Customize with add-ins like pesto instead of balsamic or proteins such as grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 391
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 481 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg