Caprese Ravioli: Perfect For Summer

This article has links to products that we may make commission from.

Turn a fresh and summery Caprese salad into a main dish with this colorful Caprese ravioli recipe. It’s perfect for a Meatless Monday in summertime.

>> You might also like this Baked Feta Tomato Pasta or Cajun Chicken Pasta.

caprese salad ravioli

Caprese salad is a great antipasto, or appetizer, before a meal. The vibrant tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella, and aromatic basil make a beautiful dish that I want to eat all summer long. Just adding some ricotta or sun-dried tomato ravioli to the dish turns it from an appetizer into a main dish that is light and addictive at the same time.

If you’ve ever been to Capri, Italy, you’ve probably tried a dish that this recipe is derived from. It’s called Ravioli Caprese and it’s ravioli stuffed with caciotta cheese (similar to Ricotta) and fresh marjoram leaves. The ravioli is then served with a little tomato sauce and a sprinkling of Parmigiano on the top. It’s a simple dish, but incredibly flavorful.

This dish is more a deconstructed version of the popular Caprese salad than an homage to Capri’s classic Ravioli Caprese, but it’s always good to know the roots of a dish.

» Psst, check out our strawberry Caprese skewers appetizer.

Ingredients You Need

Ravioli with tomato, mozzarella and basil
  • Ravioli – See below for some options for the type of ravioli to use. We use store-bought ravioli but you can also make your own if you want.
  • Mozzarella balls – I use these small fresh mozzarella balls that can be used whole or cut in half for a smaller bite. Make sure it’s fresh mozzarella, not part skim.
  • Cherry Tomatoes – Use the freshest, firmest cherry tomatoes you can find.
  • Fresh Basil – Got basil in your home garden? Now’s the time to use it!
  • High-quality extra virgin olive oil – This is the flavoring for the salad, so make sure it’s a nice high-quality, flavorful olive oil.
  • Flake salt Flake salt, like Maldon sea salt flakes are perfect for seasoning this salad and giving it a little crunch too.
  • Parmesan cheese – Also use a high-quality Parm for the best flavor. Shredding it yourself from a block of cheese is the best way to go.
ravioli

What Ravioli to Use

This dish makes use of pre-made ravioli, to keep it extra simple, so you can use just about any kind of ravioli you like. I like to use a ricotta-stuffed ravioli, but I also enjoy the sun-dried tomato and mozzarella version I can sometimes find. Any type of cheese ravioli works, as does a spinach-filled one, in a pinch.

My favorite ravioli to use is Giovanni Rana 4 Cheese. Another great option is 365 Spinach Ricotta ravioli.

If you want to use a ravioli with meat filing, that’s cool too. We sometimes add prosciutto to the dish for fun.

» Here’s a great herb and ricotta ravioli recipe, in case you want to make it yourself.

Ravioli with tomato, mozzarella and basil

How to Make Ravioli With Caprese Salad

Start out by cooking the ravioli according to the package. Meanwhile, you can slice cherry tomatoes, half the mozzarella balls, and chiffonade the basil.

When the ravioli is done, drain the water from the pot. Add a drizzle of high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil and toss the pan to coat the ravioli in the oil. Then transfer the ravioli to plates.

Top with the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Then finish with a grating of Parmigiano cheese.

It’s not a hot dish. The pasta will still be warm, but the tomatoes and mozzarella are more room temperature. That’s what makes this dish perfect for summer. And you can use up some of those cherry tomatoes from your garden!

»  Have some ingredients left over? Why not try our Strawberry Caprese Skewers or Chicken Caprese with Spaghetti.

caprese ravioli

What is Caprese Salad?

Caprese salad is a simple Italian salad that typically consists of sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. The ingredients are arranged on a plate, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. It is a refreshing and delicious dish that is popular in Italy and around the world.

We’ve added one extra component to the salad – fresh ravioli – to give it a little twist and turn it into a more substantial main dish that’s perfect for summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caprese salad with ravioli?

Caprese salad with ravioli is a variation of the traditional Caprese salad that includes cooked ravioli pasta in addition to the usual ingredients of fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. The ravioli is typically boiled and then chilled before being added to the salad.

Can you make Caprese salad with ravioli ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Caprese salad with ravioli ahead of time. Cook the ravioli and chill it in the refrigerator, and then slice the mozzarella cheese and tomatoes and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to serve, arrange the ingredients on a plate and add the fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Can you store leftover caprese ravioli?

You can save and store any leftovers you have of the ravioli, but you’ll want to eat it within 2-3 days for the best outcome. The best way to store leftovers would be to keep all of the ingredients separate in containers or baggies until you’re ready to assemble again. If it’s already been dressed with the olive oil and salt, it will likely become quite watery and soggy after the first serving.

Other recipes you might try

Like it, Love it, Want Some More of It? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook. We really love it when you save our recipes to Pinterest 😊

Ravioli with tomato, mozzarella and basil

Caprese Ravioli

Turn a fresh and summery Caprese salad into a main dish with this colorful Caprese ravioli recipe. It’s perfect for a Meatless Monday in summertime.
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 905kcal
Author: Laura Lynch

Ingredients

  • 8 ounce package ravioli
  • 1 tablespoon high quality extra-virgin olive oil
  • 12 cherry tomatoes sliced in half
  • 12 mini mozzarella balls sliced in half
  • 10 basil leaves sliced in a chiffonade
  • 1/8 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions.
  • When the ravioli is done, drain the water from the pot. Add a drizzle of high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, salt and papper, and toss the pan to coat the ravioli in the oil. Then transfer the ravioli to plates.
  • Top with the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Then finish with a grating of Parmigiano cheese.

Notes

  • Cheese ravioli works best with this recipe, but you can also use sun-dried tomato, spinach-filled, or even meat-filled, if you want.
  • You can use homemade ravioli, if you want to make it yourself.

Nutrition

Calories: 905kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 50g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 926mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 658IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 707mg | Iron: 13mg

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

4.5 from 10 votes
The Best Crispy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
5 from 15 votes
Vietnamese-Style Banh Mi Sandwich
5 from 97 votes
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich

Pin it for later!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating