Italian Tortellini Salad Recipe
This Italian Tortellini Salad is a flavorful, refreshing dish packed with cheesy tortellini, fresh vegetables, and zesty Italian dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch. The combination of pasta, protein, and fresh ingredients makes it both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
½ cup yellow bell pepper, diced
½ cup black olives, sliced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup salami or pepperoni, chopped (optional)
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
½ cup olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions.
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, red onion, mozzarella, and salami (if using).
4. Toss with Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
5. Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Before serving, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Nutritional Value
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: ~12g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fats: ~20g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~450mg
Tips & Variations
Make it Vegetarian: Skip the salami/pepperoni for a meat-free version.
Add More Protein: Include grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Use Store-Bought Dressing: If short on time, use your favorite Italian dressing.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Total Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time (Optional): 30 minutes
Total Time: 20-50 minutes (depending on chilling time)
If you’re in a hurry, you can serve it immediately after mixing, but chilling enhances the flavors.