Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or as a crowd-pleasing side. Featuring cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a zesty balsamic dressing, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls (or diced mozzarella)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, olives, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Sprinkle with fresh basil, and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
- Try substituting fresh herbs like parsley or oregano if basil is not available.
- Use red wine vinegar instead of balsamic for a slightly different tangy flavor.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, and it can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fresh vegetables and cheese may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just add the basil right before serving to keep it fresh.
What can I substitute for mozzarella pearls?
You can use diced fresh mozzarella or even shredded mozzarella if pearls are not available. Alternatively, feta cheese adds a nice tangy flavor.
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Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a refreshing side. Featuring cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic dressing, this salad combines creamy, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. It’s easy to prepare and best served chilled to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls (or diced mozzarella)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop further cooking.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, mozzarella pearls, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the salad. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and enhance the overall taste.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, omit the mozzarella and Parmesan or substitute with plant-based cheese alternatives.
- You can add additional vegetables like roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for more flavor and texture.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature if preferred.
- Make ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the amount of balsamic vinegar slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Tortellini Pasta Salad, Cheese Tortellini Salad, Italian Pasta Salad, Cold Pasta Salad, Summer Pasta Salad, Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
