This pasta salad combines spinach-and-ricotta-filled tortellini with mini mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Olive oil and lemon juice form a simple dressing that coats the pasta without hiding the filling. The tomatoes add juicy texture, while mozzarella contributes a soft, creamy contrast.
Cook the tortellini according to its package directions, drain well, and let it cool enough that it will not melt the mozzarella. Fold the ingredients together gently to keep the filled pasta intact, then add basil just before serving. Taste before adding extra salt because the tortellini and cheese already contribute seasoning.
Start with the Vegetable Cooking Guide:
https://www.letsveg.com/vegetable-cooking-guide
Video
Italian Pasta Salad with Spinach Ricotta Tortellini, Mozzarella, and Basil
Spinach ricotta tortellini salad with mini mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice.
Ingredients
Equipment
small soup pot
Salad Bowl
Cooking Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
- Drain well and let the tortellini cool enough that it will not melt the mozzarella before combining
- Transfer tortellini to a large bowl.
- Add mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Let sit for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
• Follow the cooking directions for your tortellini product. Refrigerated, frozen, and dried tortellini have different cooking times.
• Drain the cooked tortellini thoroughly and let it cool before adding the mozzarella.
• Drain mozzarella balls from their packing liquid so it does not dilute the dressing.
• Fold the salad gently rather than stirring vigorously, which can split the filled pasta.
• Add the basil close to serving time to preserve its fresh aroma and appearance.
• Taste before adding more salt. Adjust the lemon juice gradually if you prefer a sharper dressing.