Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes and Chickpeas
This Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad combines tender cheese tortellini, marinated artichoke hearts, creamy chickpeas, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny olives, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. It’s a perfect make-ahead lunch, potluck dish, or light summer dinner that’s filling yet refreshing.
Time Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
Salad
Cheese tortellini 500 g
Canned chickpeas 1 can (400 g), rinsed and drained
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, chickpeas, artichokes, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and parsley.
Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Step 4 – Finish & serve
Sprinkle 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).
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal.
Pasta choice: You can use spinach or mushroom tortellini for extra flavor variety.
Herb swap: Fresh dill or basil also work beautifully in place of parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes — just cook according to package instructions and cool before using.
Q2: Can I make this without cheese?
Use vegan tortellini and skip feta for a dairy-free version.
Q3: How long will it last in the fridge?
It keeps well for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Nutritional Value
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sodium: 580 mg