Tortellini Pasta Salad

If you’re craving a pasta salad that’s bursting with flavor, color, and just the right amount of comfort, Tortellini Pasta Salad is exactly what you need. It’s hearty, satisfying, and loaded with fresh veggies, tender cheese-filled pasta, and the kind of tangy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill pasta salad; this one is a game-changer that can be served as a main dish or as a perfect side for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your go-to for potlucks, barbecues, or any gathering.

Why You’ll Love Tortellini Pasta Salad

Here’s why this pasta salad is the one you’ll keep making again and again:

Simple to Make: No complicated ingredients or steps here. Just cook the tortellini, chop up some veggies, and toss it all together. It’s quick, easy, and totally stress-free.

Flavor-Packed: With its blend of savory tortellini, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing, this salad is anything but boring. It’s bursting with fresh flavors that everyone will love.

Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad holds up wonderfully in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and have it ready for lunches or dinner all week long. Plus, the flavors just get better after a day or two.

Versatile: Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or bringing it to a party, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. You can also customize it with different veggies, proteins, or cheeses to make it your own.

Great for All Occasions: From summer barbecues to holiday feasts, this salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. It’s light enough for warm-weather days but hearty enough to serve in colder months too.

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the fresh ingredients that make this salad absolutely irresistible:

Tortellini

The heart of this salad! Cheese-filled tortellini is soft, pillowy, and perfect for absorbing the tangy dressing. You can use any variety you like, but cheese tortellini is the classic choice.

Cherry Tomatoes

Juicy, sweet cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color to the salad. They’re the perfect balance to the creamy tortellini.

Cucumber

Crisp and refreshing, cucumber brings a cool crunch that complements the richness of the tortellini and dressing.

Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers (I love a mix of red, yellow, and orange) add both sweetness and crunch to the mix.

Red Onion

Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild bite and a pop of color to the salad. It’s a great way to bring in a little zing.

Olives

Black or green olives provide that briny, salty kick that really enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Fresh Basil

Fresh basil brings a fragrant, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the tortellini and vegetables.

Mozzarella Cheese

Small mozzarella balls (or bocconcini) add an extra layer of creaminess to the salad. You can use shredded mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand.

Italian Dressing

This dressing is the secret to the salad’s bold flavor. The tangy vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs perfectly complement the fresh veggies and tortellini.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this flavorful pasta salad. Ready?

Cook the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions (usually about 2-4 minutes for fresh tortellini). Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, chop up your veggies. Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion. Cut the mozzarella balls in half if they’re large, or just use them whole if they’re small.

Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked and slightly cooled tortellini, chopped veggies, mozzarella, and olives.

Add the Dressing

Drizzle your Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can mix a little mayo or Greek yogurt with the Italian dressing for extra richness.

Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. It’s even better if you let it sit for a few hours! Garnish with fresh basil just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad

This salad is super versatile and can be served in many different ways:

As a Main Course: Add some grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this salad into a more substantial meal. It’s light yet filling, making it perfect for a summer lunch or dinner.

As a Side Dish: This pasta salad is the perfect side dish to serve alongside grilled meats, burgers, or BBQ. It’s a great addition to any picnic or potluck.

Add Some Extra Protein: If you want to make the salad even more hearty, add some cooked chicken, turkey, or even a few hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.

With a Side of Bread: Pair this salad with some warm, crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Garlic bread or a fresh baguette works perfectly!

For a Light Lunch: It’s great on its own, served with a simple side of fruit or a cup of soup for a light but filling lunch.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your Tortellini Pasta Salad even better:

Make It Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it the night before, and it’ll hold up well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Customize the Dressing: If you’re not a fan of store-bought Italian dressing, make your own with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian herbs.

Switch Up the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, arugula, or roasted zucchini. The beauty of this salad is its flexibility.

For a Creamier Version: Mix in a little mayo or Greek yogurt with the dressing for a richer flavor.

Add Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds on top before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A1: Yes! Just cook it according to the package instructions and make sure to drain it well before adding it to the salad.

Q2: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! It actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors have time to meld. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Q3: How long will Tortellini Pasta Salad keep in the fridge?
A3: It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just keep the dressing mixed in to avoid the pasta soaking up all the moisture.

Q4: Can I add grilled chicken to this pasta salad?
A4: Yes! Grilled chicken is a great addition for some extra protein. Just slice it up and mix it in with the other ingredients.

Q5: Can I make this salad without mozzarella?
A5: Absolutely! You can skip the mozzarella or substitute it with another cheese, such as feta or parmesan.

Q6: Can I make the dressing from scratch?
A6: Yes, you can! Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning for a homemade dressing.

Q7: How can I make this salad more filling?
A7: You can make it more filling by adding grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or even beans for extra protein.

Q8: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A8: Definitely! You can substitute the tortellini with any other pasta shape you prefer, like rotini, penne, or farfalle.

Q9: Is this recipe vegetarian?
A9: Yes, it’s vegetarian! But if you want to make it vegan, just skip the mozzarella or use a plant-based cheese.

Q10: Can I freeze Tortellini Pasta Salad?
A10: Pasta salads generally don’t freeze well because the pasta can get mushy once thawed. It’s best to eat it fresh or within a few days.

Conclusion

This Tortellini Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of comfort and freshness, making it an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a go-to meal for your busy week. Whether you serve it as a main or a side, it’s guaranteed to leave everyone coming back for more. So grab some tortellini, chop up some veggies, and enjoy a salad that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Happy eating!

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