Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Description:
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying dish combining cheesy tortellini with crunchy vegetables and a zesty homemade Italian-style dressing. It’s perfect as a summer side dish, a potluck favorite, or even a light main course.
Total Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time (optional): 20–30 minutes
Total time: 25–40 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
For the Salad:
500g (1 lb) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, chopped
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ up black olives, sliced
½ cup bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
½ cup mozzarella balls or cubed cheese (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Tortellini:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually 7–9 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, bell pepper, cheese, and herbs.
Toss with Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Chill (Optional):
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Serve:
Garnish with extra herbs or grated parmesan if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. for 6 servings):
Nutrient Amount
Calories 370 kcal
Protein 14g
Carbohydrates 32g
Fat 22g
Fiber 3g
Sugars 4g
Sodium 430mg
Calcium 160mg
Nutrition may vary depending on tortellini filling and cheese used.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and toss before serving.
Q: What kind of tortellini works best?
A: Cheese tortellini is classic, but spinach or meat-filled versions also work well.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Use vegan tortellini and skip the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free option.
Q: What proteins can I add to make it a main dish?
A: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, tuna, or even boiled eggs go great with this salad.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.