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Tortellini Pasta Salad

Tortellini Pasta Salad to Brighten Up Your Summer Picnics

This Tortellini Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer picnics, blending creamy cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 pound Cheese Tortellini substitute with spinach or meat tortellini for a twist
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes grape tomatoes can be used as a substitute
  • 1 large Cucumber English cucumbers don't need peeling
  • 1 medium Red Onion can be swapped with green onions
  • 1/2 cup Pitted Kalamata Olives black olives are a softer alternative
  • 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella Balls cubed mozzarella works as substitution
  • 1/2 cup Salami or Pepperoni optional; use diced chicken for vegetarian
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese nutritional yeast can be a dairy-free option
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach or Arugula kale is an option for a heartier green
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Basil dried basil can be used if fresh isn't available
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil essential for the dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar lemon juice can be an alternative
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard can be omitted for a simpler dressing
  • 1 teaspoon Honey maple syrup can be used for sweetness
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano fresh herbs can enhance the flavor
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Medium jar
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 3-5 minutes. Drain the tortellini, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
  2. In a medium jar, combine 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and season with salt and pepper. Shake well until emulsified.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini and pour half of the dressing over it. Gently mix to coat and let cool for about 10 minutes.
  4. Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, chopped salami, grated Parmesan, spinach, and fresh basil. Drizzle remaining dressing and toss gently to combine.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  6. Remove the salad from the refrigerator, give it a gentle toss, and garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours for best flavor. Use fresh ingredients for a colorful presentation.

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