Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

There’s something undeniably delightful about a refreshing Tortellini Pasta Salad. Imagine twirling your fork through perfectly cooked tortellini, enveloped in rich flavors that dance on your palate. healthy tuna salad wraps Each bite bursts with vibrant colors and an aroma so enticing it makes your taste buds do a little happy dance.

As a child, I remember my grandmother whipping up this salad for family gatherings. The kitchen would fill with laughter, and I could hardly wait to dive into the bowl. spinach turkey meatballs with pesto Whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy family dinner, Tortellini Pasta Salad always steals the show and guarantees smiles all around. You might also enjoy this pesto spinach turkey meatballs recipe.

I still remember my friends’ faces when I served this at our last picnic, pure delight!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Tortellini: Use fresh or frozen tortellini; both work well, but fresh adds an extra touch of authenticity.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes; they add sweetness and vibrant color to the salad. roasted tomatoes for added flavor.
• Cucumber: Choose firm cucumbers for crunch; they balance the richness of the tortellini beautifully.
• Bell Peppers: A mix of red and yellow bell peppers not only enhances flavor but also adds stunning color.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for dressing; it elevates the overall taste remarkably.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves lend aromatic notes that brighten the entire dish; don’t skip this ingredient!
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over the salad just before serving for added richness and depth.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Chop the Vegetables: While tortellini cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. This adds freshness and crunchiness to every mouthful.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. This dressing will tie all flavors together beautifully.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked tortellini with chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently until well coated.

Add Cheese and Serve: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. Garnish with additional basil if desired for an extra pop of flavor.

Enjoy your Tortellini Pasta Salad at room temperature or chilled! It’s sure to impress friends or family no matter where you serve it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the tortellini until al dente while prepping your vegetables. This ensures everything is ready at the same time, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in your tortellini pasta salad.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Try adding grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra tangy twist that elevates your tortellini pasta salad.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy it cold; however, you can briefly reheat it in the microwave if desired.

I remember making this tortellini pasta salad for a summer barbecue and watching my friends devour it in seconds. Their smiles were priceless when I shared how easy it was to make! For more inspiration, check out this pineapple coconut smoothie recipe.

FAQ

What type of tortellini should I use for my pasta salad?

Use fresh or frozen tortellini; both work well and offer great taste.

Can I add protein to my tortellini pasta salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas add delicious protein to your dish. Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish.

How long can I store leftovers of the tortellini pasta salad?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days for freshness.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Tortellini Pasta Salad

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• Author: Samuel Cullingham
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the delightful flavors of cheese-filled tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or family dinners, this salad bursts with colors and textures that will impress your guests. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, you can serve it as a main course or a side dish. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature; this crowd-pleaser is sure to bring smiles all around!

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz fresh or frozen tortellini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), chopped
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the tortellini in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While the tortellini cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped basil to create the dressing.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until well coated.
5. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. Garnish with additional basil if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg