Caprese Tortellini Salad
Caprese salad, add tortellini. This is is both a hardy and refreshing pasta salad that can be served chilled or warm. Better yet, the hardest part about making it is probably chopping the basil.
Equipment
- Normal Kitchen Utensils
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Cheese Tortellini
- 1 C Cherry Tomatoes
- 8 Oz. Ciliegine (cherry size) Mozzarella Balls
- 1 6-Inch Sprigs Fresh Basil About 1 Tbsp chopped
- 1 C Italian Dressing Plus More If Needed
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Set a large pot of water to boil for the pasta.
- While the water heats, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and chiffonade the basil.1 C Cherry Tomatoes, 1 6-Inch Sprigs Fresh Basil
- Once the water is boiling, drop in the tortellini and 2 Tbsp of salt, and boil per package directions.1 Lb Cheese Tortellini, Salt and Pepper to Taste
- If Serving Warm
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot.
- Cut the heat and add the tomatoes, basil, mozzarella and Italian dressing.1 C Italian Dressing, 8 Oz. Ciliegine (cherry size) Mozzarella Balls
- Stir to combine, test for salt and pepper, and serve right away.
- If Serving Chilled (My Favorite)
- Once the pasta is cooked, cut the heat and drain the pasta in a colander.
- Run the pasta under cold water until cooled to at least room temperature.
- Mix the pasta with the tomatoes, basil, mozzarella balls and Italian dressing.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour and a half.
- Test for salt and pepper. If the pasta salad looks a little dry (because the pasta absorbed all the liquid) add a little more Italian dressing.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
If you want to make this pasta into an even heartier meal, add some grilled chicken to the hot version, or some chopped pepperoni to the chilled version.
You can sub in block mozzarella for mozzarella balls if need be. Cut it into 1/2 inch cubs.