Loaded with summer flavor, Easy Caprese Tortellini Salad is party perfect for any occasion. Ready in minutes and with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be adding this to your list of summer staples!

Bowl of Caprese Tortellini salad with basil and tomatoes in the background. | TheSuburbanSoapbox.com

Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad

It’s party season…or at least it seems to be.  With the kick off of summer just last week and all the Memorial Day hubbub…then graduation looming here in just two days….it seems there’s a celebration around every single corner.

And each one is bigger and better than the last one….each person trying to one up the neighbors to ensure their soiree is the talk of the season.

To be honest…I like to keep things simple.  Occasionally, I’ll make a wreath or something slightly crafty…but I like to reserve my energy for the food.

Especially in the summer, let’s just enjoy a few cocktails and stuff our faces silly while we listen to the birds chirp, the leaves blow in the wind and the kids squeal with joy that school is finally out. Shall we?

Close up of caprese tortellini salad with basil leaves on top. | TheSuburbanSoapbox.com

And let’s start with something insanely simple, like Easy Caprese Tortellini Salad…mmmmkay? It’s been my experience that pasta salad is the first bowl to vanish at any barbecue….people LOVE their carbs. And I’m one of those people.  I could, literally, live on pasta salad morning, noon and night.

I love any variation from a simple macaroni salad to a Italian-ized blend of chopped veggies. I could eat it all. And with everyone flipping out over “Caprese” everything…I thought I’d just go with it…..simply. Because it’s summer and we need to take it easy. 🙂

How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad

This easy Caprese Pesto Tortellini Salad recipe is so easy to make…you’re just not going to believe it.  Really. Just four ingredients go into a bowl…..cheese tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil pesto...tossed together and then, voila….salad. Probably the best you ever had.  Unless you tried this version from last summer, then it may be a toss up. Or a tie.

  1. Cook the tortellini pasta to just al dente, about a minute less than the package instructions.
  2. Immediately drain the pasta and stop the cooking by running under cold water briefly.
  3. Transfer the tortellini to a bowl.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes, basil pesto and cheese.
  5. Toss to combine.
  6. Serve with chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Easy Caprese Tortellini Salad on a wooden spoon. | TheSuburbanSoapbox.com

Can you make Tortellini Pasta Salad in advance?

You can DEFINITELY make this easy Caprese Tortellini Salad in advance. In fact, it’s even better if you make it the day before because the pesto has a chance to get all in the nooks and crannies of the tortellini making it extra tasty!

What to Serve with It

Here are my favorite things to pair with my pasta salad:

Sliced baked chicken breast being basted with a blue silicone basting brush on a foil lined baking sheet.

More Easy Summer Side Dish Recipes

Chopped Greek Pasta Salad with a bowl of kalamata olives on a blue background from TheSuburbanSoapbox.com

And if you’re looking for more salad inspiration be sure to follow us over on Instagram!

Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Tortellini Salad

Yield: 10 servings
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Ready in minutes with just 5 ingredients, this Caprese Tortellini Salad is the best thing to happen to summer!
5 from 4 votes
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Ingredients

  • 1-20 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini, I used Buitoni
  • 1-7 oz package refrigerated basil pesto, I used Buitoni Basil Pesto Sauce
  • 2 cups halved grape tomatoes
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • fresh basil for garnish, if desired

Equipment

  • bowl

Instructions 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium high heat. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions. (Do not overcook.)
  • Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
  • Add the pesto, tomatoes and cheese. Toss to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Video

https://youtu.be/6wrihpC996s

Notes

Salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 93kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 182mg, Potassium: 87mg, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 460IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 126mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American