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Lunch

Fresh Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad

This bright and cheery pasta salad is packed with cheese tortellini, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic dressing.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· July 15, 2026
Fresh Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
6

There is something so special about the combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Using cheese tortellini instead of regular pasta makes this dish feel extra satisfying and hearty for a quick lunch or a side dish at your next barbecue.

My best tip for this recipe is to salt your pasta water generously before boiling. It gives the tortellini a great flavor base that really shines once you toss everything together with the balsamic dressing.

Ingredients

  • 1 package cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Balsamic glaze for drizzling
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente.

  2. 2

    Drain the pasta and rinse it with cool water to stop the cooking process.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic to make the dressing.

  4. 4

    Place the cooked pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil in a large mixing bowl.

  5. 5

    Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.

  6. 6

    Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  7. 7

    Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top just before you are ready to serve.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. If the pasta absorbs the dressing, feel free to add a little splash of olive oil or a fresh drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving again.

#Vegetarian#Pasta#Summer#Easy#Italian

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