Italian tortellini salad

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.

 

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