Whip Up a Tasty Tortellini Pasta Salad for Any Occasion

Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful, versatile dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or even as a light main course. This vibrant salad combines the chewy texture of cheese-filled tortellini with an array of fresh vegetables, savory meats, and a tantalizing dressing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply craving a refreshing and satisfying meal, Tortellini Pasta Salad is sure to delight your taste buds.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Tortellini Pasta Salad

For the Salad

To create the perfect Tortellini Pasta Salad, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini – The star of the show, these cheesy pasta pillows provide the base for the salad.
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved – Their vibrant color and juicy burst of flavor complement the other ingredients.
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped – Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
• 1⁄2 red onion, thinly sliced – For a subtle bite and pop of color.
• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped – Briny olives lend a Mediterranean flair.
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls – Creamy mozzarella cheese enhances the overall texture and flavor.
• 1⁄2 cup chopped salami or pepperoni – For a savory, protein-packed element.
• 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a delightful nutty and salty punch.
• 2 cups baby spinach or arugula – Fresh greens provide a nutritional boost and vibrant color.
• 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh basil – Fragrant basil leaves tie all the flavors together.

For the Dressing

The dressing is the glue that holds this Tortellini Pasta Salad together, and it’s easy to make:

• 1⁄2 cup extra virgin olive oil – Provides a rich, silky mouthfeel.
• 1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar – Adds a tangy, acidic note to balance the other flavors.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Emulsifies the dressing and lends a subtle kick.
• 1 tsp honey – Sweetens the dressing just enough to complement the other ingredients.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – Infuses the dressing with savory, aromatic garlic flavor.
• 1⁄2 tsp dried oregano – Adds an earthy, herbal note to the dressing.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Seasons the dressing to perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tortellini Pasta Salad

Cooking the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-10 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.

Preparing the Salad Ingredients

While the tortellini is cooking, prepare all the other salad ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, peel and chop the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, chop the olives, and tear or chop the fresh basil leaves.

Making the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.

Assembling the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, mozzarella balls, salami or pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, spinach or arugula, and fresh basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Chilling the Salad

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Tortellini Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill to the perfect temperature.

Tips for the Perfect Tortellini Pasta Salad

Here are a few tips to help you create the best Tortellini Pasta Salad:

• Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for maximum flavor.
• Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli florets.
• For a protein-packed meal, grilled chicken, shrimp, or cubed tofu can be excellent additions.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, try a ranch or Caesar-style dressing instead of the vinaigrette.
• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, tossing gently before serving.

Nutritional Information

One serving of this Tortellini Pasta Salad (about 1 cup) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g

Variations of Tortellini Pasta Salad

Vegetarian Options

To create a vegetarian-friendly version of Tortellini Pasta Salad, simply omit the salami or pepperoni and use a plant-based protein source, such as chickpeas, lentils, or grilled tofu.

Adding Proteins

For a heartier, protein-packed Tortellini Pasta Salad, consider adding grilled or roasted chicken, shrimp, or cubed tofu. These protein-rich ingredients will transform the salad into a satisfying main course.

Serving Suggestions

Tortellini Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It makes a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks, or it can be enjoyed as a light main course for lunch or dinner. Pair it with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

FAQs about Tortellini Pasta Salad

1. What ingredients do I need to make Tortellini Pasta Salad?

To make Tortellini Pasta Salad, you will need cooked tortellini (fresh or frozen), a variety of vegetables (such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions), cheese (like mozzarella or feta), olives, and a dressing (such as Italian vinaigrette or a creamy dressing). You can also add protein like grilled chicken or beans for a heartier dish.

2. How do I cook tortellini for the salad?

Cooking tortellini is simple! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the tortellini, and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini and 7-10 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.

3. Can I make Tortellini Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Tortellini Pasta Salad ahead of time! In fact, it often tastes better after resting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If using a dressing, consider adding it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

4. What variations can I try with Tortellini Pasta Salad?

There are many delicious variations you can try! You can change the vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season, add different types of cheese, or use a different dressing such as pesto or a balsamic vinaigrette. You can also include proteins like grilled shrimp, diced ham, or chickpeas to make it more filling. Experiment with herbs and spices for added flavor!

Conclusion

Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its cheesy tortellini, fresh vegetables, and tantalizing dressing, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or craving a light and satisfying meal, this Tortellini Pasta Salad is sure to become a new go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Pineapple Cucumber Salad
• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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