Description
These Easy Tortellini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Dressing are a fresh and delicious appetizer perfect for parties or quick snacks. Combining cheesy tortellini, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil leaves, all dressed in a creamy balsamic vinaigrette, these skewers offer a delightful blend of Italian flavors in bite-sized form.
Ingredients
Creamy Balsamic Dressing
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar (30 milliliters)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic (~1 large clove)
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise (30 grams)
- 1 Tablespoon freshly-grated parmesan (9 grams)
- 1/4 cup good quality olive oil (60 milliliters)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
Caprese Skewers
- 4.5 ounces fresh cheese tortellini (130 grams)
- 12 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes (340 grams)
- 8 ounces Ciliegine mozzarella pearls, drained (226 grams)
- 24 fresh basil leaves, rolled
- Freshly-cracked black pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Creamy Balsamic Dressing Preparation: In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, grated garlic, mayonnaise, and freshly-grated parmesan. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed.
- Emulsify Dressing: While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle the olive oil into the bowl to create a creamy, emulsified dressing. Season with kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper to taste.
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 3-4 minutes, until al dente. Drain the tortellini and rinse with cool water to stop cooking.
- Toss Tortellini with Dressing: Place the drained tortellini in a bowl and toss with half of the creamy balsamic dressing to coat evenly.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella pearl, one rolled basil leaf, and one dressed cheese tortellini onto a skewer. Repeat this process with remaining ingredients to make approximately 24 skewers.
- Serve: Arrange the skewers on a platter and drizzle with the remaining balsamic dressing. Garnish with freshly-cracked black pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cheese tortellini and high-quality olive oil for the dressing.
- You can prepare the balsamic dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it up to 1 day before assembling skewers.
- To keep skewers fresh, assemble just before serving or cover and refrigerate assembled skewers for up to 2 hours.
- Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- These skewers are perfect as appetizers or party finger food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
