Description
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for gatherings or as a quick meal. Cheese tortellini is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and sharp red onion, then coated in a fragrant basil vinaigrette. Finished with pine nuts and fresh basil, this salad is bursting with Mediterranean flavors, making it an impressive yet simple recipe to prepare ahead.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain, and cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- In a large serving bowl, combine cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Pour vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Add fresh basil leaves and pine nuts, gently tossing to combine.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Swap pine nuts with toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Mini pearl mozzarella or diced regular mozzarella work as substitutes. Prepare up to a day ahead; store covered in the fridge for 2-3 days. If salad dries out, drizzle with more vinaigrette or olive oil before serving. To prevent sogginess, add basil and pine nuts just before serving. Overcooking tortellini can make it mushy, so monitor closely for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg