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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad

Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad with tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a serving bowl
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This Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad is bright, cheesy, and hearty enough for lunch or a potluck side. Tender tortellini, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, basil, and balsamic dressing make it fresh but still comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad

  • 20 oz refrigerated mozzarella tortellini, or five cheese
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz sun dried tomatoes, roughly chopped, oil reserved
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls, about 1 ¼ cups
  • ⅓ cup red onions, finely diced
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • Balsamic glaze, to drizzle on top

Balsamic Dressing or up to 1 ¼ cups bottled dressing of choice

  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the tortellini: Boil the tortellini in salted water according to package directions until tender, then drain and rinse briefly with cool water. Let it drain well so the salad does not turn watery.
  2. Make the dressing: Whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and salt until smooth. Add a spoonful of reserved sun dried tomato oil for extra flavor.
  3. Prep the mix ins: Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the sun dried tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and tear or slice the basil.
  4. Toss the salad: Add the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and Parmesan to a large bowl. Pour in enough dressing to coat and toss gently.
  5. Chill and finish: Chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors come together. Fold in the basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Notes

Use bottled balsamic or Italian dressing when you need a shortcut. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and add a splash of dressing before serving if the pasta absorbs too much. Do not freeze, since the tomatoes and mozzarella can turn watery.

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad

Find it online: https://thesavorymama.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad/