Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes and Feta
This salad combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with marinated artichoke hearts, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a lemon-herb vinaigrette. It’s hearty enough for a main course but light enough for a side, making it perfect for summer gatherings, lunches, or potlucks.
Time Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes (for tortellini)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
Salad
Cheese tortellini 500 g
Marinated artichoke hearts 1 jar (about 250 g), drained and quartered
Cherry tomatoes 1½ cups, halved
Cucumber 1 medium, diced
Kalamata olives ½ cup, pitted and halved
Red onion ¼ cup, finely diced
Fresh parsley ¼ cup, chopped
Crumbled feta cheese ½ cup
Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
Extra virgin olive oil – ⅓ cup
Lemon juice 3 tbsp
Red wine vinegar 1 tbsp
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Dried oregano 1 tsp
Salt ½ tsp
Black pepper ¼ tsp
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking.
Step 2 – Make the vinaigrette
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Step 3 – Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, artichokes, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and parsley.
Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Step 4 – Finish & serve
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes & Tips
Make ahead: Salad can be made up to 1 day in advance (add feta before serving for freshness).
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Herb swap: Fresh dill or basil also works beautifully in place of parsley.
Dressing tip: If serving later, reserve some vinaigrette and toss again right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes — cook according to package instructions and cool before using.
Q2: Can I make this without cheese?
Yes — skip the feta or replace it with marinated tofu for a dairy-free option.
Q3: How long will it last in the fridge?
It keeps well for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Nutritional Value
Calories: 410 kcal
Protein: 14 g
Fat: 19 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 540 mg