Description
This vibrant Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful medley of cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or potlucks, it combines cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and mozzarella, all tossed in a flavorful vinaigrette and finished with fresh basil for a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions until al dente, typically around 7-9 minutes. Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper thoroughly until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, mozzarella pearls, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring maximum flavor distribution.
- Finish with fresh basil and chill: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the salad, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to chill perfectly.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or salami slices to the salad.
- This pasta salad holds up well for picnics and potlucks, maintaining its flavor and texture.
- Use tricolor tortellini to add extra color and visual appeal to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
