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–+ servings
Tortellini Pasta Salad

Zesty Tortellini Pasta Salad for Easy Summer Gatherings

Enjoy this refreshing Tortellini Pasta Salad, a perfect dish for summer gatherings, combining vibrant veggies and creamy cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini can be substituted with any pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved grape tomatoes work just as well
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped consider bell peppers for a different twist
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced green onion can be used for a milder taste
  • 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped black olives can be a substitute
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls swap in cubed feta for a different creamy texture
  • 1/2 cup chopped salami or pepperoni leave out for a vegetarian option or substitute with turkey slices
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese nutritional yeast serves for a dairy-free alternative
  • 2 cups baby spinach or arugula kale can hold up well
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil parsley can be used if basil isn’t available
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil consider coconut or avocado oil as alternatives
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar white wine vinegar is a possible substitute
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard yellow mustard can work in a pinch
  • 1 tsp honey agave nectar can replace it for a vegan option
  • 1 clove garlic, minced garlic powder is also a viable substitute
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano Italian seasoning can be used instead
  • Salt and pepper to taste essential for enhancing overall flavor

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • jar or small bowl for vinaigrette
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a jar or a small bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Secure the lid and shake or whisk until well combined.
  3. Mix in the Tortellini: Pour half of the vinaigrette over the warm pasta. Gently toss to coat evenly. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
  4. Combine the Salad Ingredients: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, mozzarella, salami, Parmesan, spinach, and basil to the bowl. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top and gently toss.
  5. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Toss again before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with extra basil and Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for summer gatherings and can be made ahead of time. Just add fresh greens before serving.

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