Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad
This refreshing pasta salad brings together the classic flavors of a caprese salad in a quick and easy dish perfect for sunny days.
recipesbynani.comThere is something so special about the combination of fresh mozzarella, basil, and sweet tomatoes. This tortellini pasta salad is one of my favorite go to recipes when I need a crowd pleasing side dish that feels fancy but takes very little time to put together.
I love using cheese tortellini because it makes the salad feel heartier than your typical garden variety pasta. My best tip is to toss the pasta with a little bit of olive oil right after draining it so the noodles do not stick together while they cool down.
๐งบ Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
๐ฉโ๐ณInstructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package directions.
- 2
Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process.
- 3
In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
- 4
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the mixture.
- 5
Add the fresh basil, salt, and pepper, then toss everything together gently until well coated.
- 6
Serve immediately or keep it in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors soak in.
๐ก Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If the pasta seems a little dry the next day, just add a small splash of olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves to perk it back up before serving.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
You might also like

Honey Dijon Dressing
This creamy honey mustard dressing is the perfect mix of sweet and tangy for your favorite salads.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
A beautiful salad that balances sweet roasted squash with tangy feta and a perfect maple dressing.

Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon
A delightful warm salad featuring crispy bacon, toasted almonds, and a sweet maple orange dressing.

Fresh Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
This lovely salad balances sweet pears with tangy cheese and crunchy walnuts for the perfect side dish.