Caprese Tortellini Salad #SundaySupper

by Anne Papina on September 1, 2013

Caprese Tortellini Salad #SundaySupper | Webicurean

Parades, picnics, and barbeques all go hand-in-hand with Labor Day, which for most simply marks the end of summer. There was a time, however, when American workers weren’t afforded the luxury of a day off, and Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of those who struggled to improve working conditions for everyone. Of course, the last thing we want to do on Labor Day is think about work, so the #SundaySupper crew is dishing up quite the spread, thanks to the help of our very own Crazy Foodie Stuntman. I’m bringing a big, fat bowl of Caprese Tortellini Salad.

If you can imagine, this originally started as an antipasto pasta salad which over the years morphed into a caprese salad–a somewhat backward progression I suppose. Both versions are good, mind you, but this is the one most requested for parties. It’s always a little different each time around, so think of it as a base–marinated artichokes sound good? Toss in a jar. Better yet, try adding some marinated mushrooms. The possible combinations are endless. If you have trouble finding dried tortellini (Trader Joe’s carries it), feel free to use fresh. I found that the dried variety holds up well for salads, plus one bag makes a big bowl.

Happy Labor Day!

Caprese Tortellini Salad #SundaySupper | Webicurean

Cook the tortellini in a pot of boiling salted water for about 12 minutes or until al dente–be careful not to over cook.  Drain, then toss with a little olive oil and the crushed garlic. This is actually the secret to many of  my pasta dishes–that fresh crushed garlic base makes everything taste good!

Caprese Tortellini Salad #SundaySupper | Webicurean

While the pasta is cooling, prep the other ingredients–the tomatoes need to be quartered and salted. Tossing in the salt will help remove most of the seeds and pulp.

Caprese Tortellini Salad #SundaySupper | Webicurean

Quarter the cheese balls, chiffonade the basil, then toss everything in with the pasta, adding olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.

Caprese Tortellini Salad #SundaySupper | Webicurean

This tastes best if made a day ahead, but it’s certainly not necessary.

Dig in!

5.0 from 3 reviews
Caprese Tortellini Salad
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Hearty tortellini is tossed with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella to make a twist on the classic caprese salad.
Author:
Recipe type: Side
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 1 lb dried mushroom tortellini
  • Olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 lb mini heirloom tomatoes (or sweet cherry tomatoes), quartered
  • 1 12 oz tub marinated mini-mozzarella balls, quartered
  • 1 cup basil leaf chiffonade, packed
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and Pepper
Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the tortellini for about 12 minutes or until al dente, being careful not to overcook.
  2. Drain the pasta, and return to the pot. While the pasta's still warm, toss with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the crushed garlic.
  3. Meanwhile, wash and quarter the tomatoes. Season with salt, and toss so most of the seeds and pulp fall out. Add the tomatoes to the pasta.
  4. Drain the mozzarella balls, cut into quarters, then add to the pasta.
  5. Make a chiffonade with the basil leaves, and pack into a 1-cup measuring cup. Add this to the pasta as well, and give everything a good toss.
  6. To the pasta salad, add another 3 tablespoons olive oil, and 3-4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Toss until blended. Add salt and pepper to taste.

 

Let’s see what treats the rest of the #SundaySupper crew has cooked up!

Refreshing Drinks

Amazing Appetizers and Sides

Enviously Good Entreés

Delicious Desserts

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement.

 

Note: I earn a modest commission for any purchases made via the amazon.com links on this page.

{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }

Helene D'souza September 1, 2013 at 4:48 am

Food evolution at it’s best. =)
I like the idea of your salad, for sure something I hadn’t tried yet and I am always looking for new recipe ideas that are different to the common once.
I wish you a wonderful Sunday!

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Conni Smith (@FoodieArmyWife) September 1, 2013 at 6:15 am

Oh now that looks seriously good! Fresh mozz….tortellini…. Mmmmm!

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Lauren @ Healthy Delicious September 1, 2013 at 6:47 am

When it come to picnics, there’s not much that beats a good tortellini salad!

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Liz September 1, 2013 at 7:47 am

This combination is one of my favorite of the summer! I love caprese anything…and your pasta salad looks terrific!

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Alida September 1, 2013 at 8:13 am

This might be my favorite salad of all time! So colorful, summery and delicious!

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Renee September 1, 2013 at 9:22 am

Oh yes, this is a pasta salad I could really dig into. Give me a big bowl of it and a fork and I’d be a happy gal.

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Sarah Reid, RHNC (@jo_jo_ba) September 1, 2013 at 9:31 am

I don’t know how you could STAND to wait a day before diving in!

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Jen @JuanitasCocina September 1, 2013 at 9:53 am

I saw this on Pinterest before I visited your blog…which means I’ve been waiting to see the recipe all day! Oh em geeee!

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Katy September 1, 2013 at 10:18 am

I adore caprese, so this is my perfect pasta salad! Great recipe!

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Diana @EatMoveShine September 1, 2013 at 11:05 am

What a great recipe! I love tortellini, and great tip on TJs having the dried (man, the fresh adds up quick… and agree it doesn’t stand up great in a salad!)

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Roz September 1, 2013 at 12:48 pm

As a lover of both caprese salad and (home-made) tortellini, I KNOW that this salad must taste fabulous! So nice to ‘meet’ and follow you from #SS! Happy Labor Day weekend!

Roz

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Shannon @VillageGirlBlog September 1, 2013 at 1:05 pm

I love everything about this dish! I could live on heirloom tomatoes. So pretty!

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kathia Rodriguez September 1, 2013 at 2:26 pm

This salad is simple amazingly delicious

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Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) September 1, 2013 at 2:47 pm

Classic! So easy and delicious!

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Courtney @ Neighborfood September 1, 2013 at 6:14 pm

I love using tortellini in soups, but never thought to use in pasta salad. Sounds delicious!

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Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips September 1, 2013 at 6:41 pm

Oh my gosh, I could eat a huge bowl of this!

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The Ninja Baker September 2, 2013 at 2:07 am

Your caprese tortellini salad does seem the perfect meal to celebrate the dwindling days of summer. Also, appreciate the tip, Anne, about dried tortellini…Love the idea of throwing in a marinated artichoke or two, too =)

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Hezzi-D September 2, 2013 at 4:58 am

I could eat tortellini every single day I love it so much. This salad sounds delicious and fresh!

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Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes September 2, 2013 at 5:33 am

Caprese is such an amazing combination of flavors for a pasta salad. I never made one with tortellini, but will sure try it soon Anne!

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Nikki @NikSnacks September 2, 2013 at 11:41 am

Did you know: tortellini is supposed to be a replica of Venus DeMilo’s navel? Yeah, I thought it was weird too lol…

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Kim@Treats & Trinkets September 3, 2013 at 5:59 am

This looks so good, but I can’t stop giggling at the phrase “antipasto pasta salad.” Pasta before the pasta? Maybe that’s why it morphed; so you wouldn’t tear a hole in the space-time continuum. 😀

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Cindys Recipes and Writings September 4, 2013 at 1:59 am

I like cold tortellini in salad. Thanks for reminding me how good it can be!

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Family Foodie September 7, 2013 at 4:09 pm

Oh yum! I love tortellini and I love caprese salad so this looks incredible! I would dig right in!

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Jen @ Keto Recipes January 29, 2018 at 7:39 pm

This is very tempting! Served this the other day but I guess, I still need to have this for our weekend bonding 🙂

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