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Tortellini Pasta Salad is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick family dinner. This salad is easy to make and enjoy, loaded with cheese-filled tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
Whether served as a side or a main dish, it’s guaranteed to impress with its bold flavors and vibrant colors.
Let’s get into this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Bold and Flavorful: Packed with fresh veggies, cheesy tortellini, and a tangy dressing.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for summer gatherings, lunch, or meal prep.
- Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or extra veggies to make it your own.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for parties.
What to Serve with Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Grilled Chicken or Steak: Adds protein for a hearty meal.
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that complements the flavors.
- Soup: Pair with tomato basil or minestrone for a complete meal.
- Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad for a lighter option.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages that balance the zesty flavors.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
A flavorful tortellini pasta salad loaded with fresh vegetables,
cheese-filled pasta, and a tangy Italian dressing. Perfect for any
occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- While the tortellini cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and basil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and shredded Parmesan.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the chopped basil over the top and serve immediately, or cover.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Customizations: Add grilled chicken, pepperoni, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with feta or mozzarella for a twist.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure your dressing is gluten-free.
- Dressing Tip: Homemade Italian dressing adds a fresh, zesty touch to this salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to a day in advance. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Just cook according to the package instructions and cool before assembling the salad.
What other vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts would make excellent additions.
Wrapping it up
Tortellini Pasta Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With its cheesy tortellini, fresh veggies, and tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Try it today and enjoy a refreshing, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
