Tortellini Caprese Skewers
Mini skewers featuring cheese tortellini, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing—an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boil & Assemble
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (30 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic (about 1 large clove)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (30 g)
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese (9 g)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (60 ml)
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 4.5 oz fresh cheese tortellini (130 g), cooked and cooled
- 12 oz cherry or grape tomatoes (340 g)
- 8 oz ciliegine mozzarella pearls, drained (226 g)
- 24 fresh basil leaves, rolled
- Additional black pepper, for garnish
- In a small bowl whisk together balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, grated garlic, mayonnaise, and Parmesan.
- While whisking, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the dressing is thick and emulsified; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook tortellini 3–4 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.
- Toss cooled tortellini with half of the balsamic dressing to coat.
- Thread 1 cherry tomato, 1 mozzarella pearl, 1 rolled basil leaf, and 1 dressed tortellini onto each skewer. Repeat to make about 24 skewers.
- Arrange skewers on a platter and drizzle with remaining dressing; finish with freshly cracked black pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Skewers can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead; keep covered and refrigerated.
- Swap red-wine vinegar for balsamic if you prefer a tangier dressing.
- For a heartier bite use longer skewers and double the ingredients per skewer.
- Add olives or cured meats for an antipasto twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 64 kcal
- Sugar: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
Keywords: tortellini, caprese, skewers, appetizer, balsamic