This tortellini salad is the perfect pasta salad that's both elegant and irresistibly satisfying. Made with creamy burrata and packed with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic glaze drizzle, it's the perfect blend of comfort food and freshness all in one!
If you like the taste of summer, try my recipe for Caprese Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze, Italian Stuffed Zucchini Flowers, Pesto Pasta Recipe with Crispy Prosciutto, or my Creamy Pesto Chicken.
Visit my recipe box for some more great recipe ideas inspired by Italian tradition!
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Here's Why You'll Love this Dish
You'll love tortellini salad because it's:
- quick and easy to make and ready in 20 minutes with minimal prep
- rich and creamy burrata adds an indulgent touch without being heavy
- fresh and colorful make it perfect for summer or any time you want a vibrant pasta salad
- versatile that you can serve as a side dish or warm as a main dish
- crowd pleasure because of its simple flavors that everyone will love
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What is Burrata Cheese?
Burrata cheese, the creamy star of this tortellini salad, was invented in the Puglia region of Italy in the early 1900s as a way to use up leftover mozzarella scraps. The name burrata comes from the Italian word burro, meaning "butter", thanks to its rich, buttery texture.
Inside its smooth mozzarella shell is a luscious filling of cream and stracciatella cheese, making every bite decadently creamy - especially when paired with fresh pasta and ripe summer tomatoes.
Ingredients
To make this delicious tortellini salad you'll need:
- cherry tomatoes or sliced ripe tomatoes add a touch of sweetness to your salad
- tortellini is the main ingredient to this dish whether you use dried tortellini or frozen tortellini
- burrata will give your tortellini salad a rich creamy texture
- pesto sauce brings an earthy flavor to your salad but can be omitted
- basil leaves adds more fresh herbs and brightness to your salad
- balsamic glaze give your salad a sweet tangy taste and brings it up a notch from plain vinegar
- seasoning like salt and freshly ground pepper
For exact measurement details and directions see recipe card...
How to Make Tortellini Salad
Slice your cherry tomatoes in half or if using whole tomatoes, slice them in to bite sized pieces
Cook your tortellini in salted water as per package instructions.
Take a couple of tablespoons of pesto and place it in to your serving bowl with a couple of scoops of pasta water and mix.
Transfer cooked tortellini into your serving bowl on top of the pesto and mix. Let cool.
Add tomato, olive oil and chopped basil leaves. Mix. Let Chill.
Gently drain the burrata and carefully place it on top of your chilled tortellini salad, Drizzle balsamic glaze over top. Add ground pepper and sprinkle more chopped basil if desired.
Serve immediately.
Storage:
Leftovers of Tortellini Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
You can certainly warm up this dish in the microwave as well and eat it warm!
Freezing is not recommended.
Top Tips
Don't overcook the tortellini, they should be just al dente to avoid a mushy salad
Cool the pasta slightly before mixing to keep the burrata creamy but not melted
Use high quality olive oil for the dressing to elevate the flavor
Serve fresh as this salad is best enjoyed the day it's made
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some great substitutions and variations for your salad:
- Pasta - use any kind of tortellini flavor cheese, meat, spinach or you can use regular pasta like penne or macaroni
- Veggies - add vegetables like roasted peppers, cucumbers, arugula or spinach for extra freshness
- Protein - add extra protein like sliced grilled chicken or shrimp
The perfect recipe isn't that far away. I'd love to know how you substituted ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Drop a comment below and let me know!
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, you can cook the tortellini and prep the tomatoes ahead of time. Then add the dressing and the burrata just before serving.
Absolutely! Just cook according to the package directions and cool slightly before assembling.
A simple olive oil and balsamic glaze or a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with creamy burrata.
Latest Main Dishes to Serve with Your Salad
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
Recipe Details
Creamy Burrata Tortellini Salad Recipe
https://easyhomemaderecipes.caEquipment
Ingredients
- 5 oz cherry tomatoes grape tomatoes or chopped tomatoes
- 14 oz tortellini any flavor
- ½ tsp salt for pasta water
- ½ cup pasta water reserved
- 8 oz burrata
- 3 tbsp pesto optional
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- ground pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Slice your cherry tomatoes in half or if using whole tomatoes, slice them in to bite sized pieces5 oz cherry tomatoes
- Cook your tortellini in salted water as per package instructions.14 oz tortellini, ½ tsp salt
- Take a couple of tablespoons of pesto and place it in to your serving bowl with a couple of scoops of pasta water and mix.3 tbsp pesto, ½ cup pasta water
- Transfer cooked tortellini into your serving bowl on top of the pesto and mix. Let cool.
- Add tomato, olive oil and chopped basil leaves. Mix.4 fresh basil leaves, ½ tsp salt, 4 tbsp olive oil
- Gently drain the burrata and carefully place it on top of your salad, Drizzle balsamic glaze over top. Add ground pepper and sprinkle more chopped basil if desired.8 oz burrata, ground pepper, 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Notes
Top Tips
Don't overcook the tortellini, they should be just al dente to avoid a mushy salad Cool the pasta slightly before mixing to keep the burrata creamy but not melted Use high quality olive oil for the dressing to elevate the flavor Serve fresh as this salad is best enjoyed the day it's madeNutrition
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Food Safety
Note that the storage guidelines provided on this page and site are estimates from personal experiences. We are all adults and as an adult you are responsible to ensure that the food you eat is safe to eat. Since, I'm not a food safety expert, you are responsible to review your local guidelines on food storage prior to storing any food left-overs.
Remember to:
- Not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For Canadian Guidelines check the Government of Canada Food Safety Guidelines or see more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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