Description
Prepare a simple, refreshing cold pasta salad combining cheese tortellini with classic Caprese flavors and a homemade balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (16 ounce) package cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini), drained
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, halved tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and chopped basil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold as a side dish or light meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the glaze.
- You can substitute the cheese tortellini with spinach or mushroom varieties if desired.
- Add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken breast for a heartier main dish.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the balsamic vinegar alone in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it reduces by half, then let it cool before drizzling over the finished salad.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook (Assembly)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 25