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Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad

This refreshing pasta salad brings together the classic flavors of a caprese salad in a quick and easy dish perfect for sunny days.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 Italian· July 26, 2026
Summer Tortellini Pasta Salad
recipesbynani.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
5 minutes
Total
15 minutes
Serves
6

There is something so special about the combination of fresh mozzarella, basil, and sweet tomatoes. This tortellini pasta salad is one of my favorite go to recipes when I need a crowd pleasing side dish that feels fancy but takes very little time to put together.

I love using cheese tortellini because it makes the salad feel heartier than your typical garden variety pasta. My best tip is to toss the pasta with a little bit of olive oil right after draining it so the noodles do not stick together while they cool down.

🧺 Ingredients

  • 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👩‍🍳Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package directions.

  2. 2

    Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.

  4. 4

    Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the mixture.

  5. 5

    Add the fresh basil, salt, and pepper, then toss everything together gently until well coated.

  6. 6

    Serve immediately or keep it in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors soak in.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If the pasta seems a little dry the next day, just add a small splash of olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves to perk it back up before serving.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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