Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
A delicious fusion of Greek and Italian flavors, this tortellini pasta salad is perfect for a light lunch, potluck, or side dish.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
- Chill & Serve:
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes & Tips:
- Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Add Protein: To make it a complete meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Crunch Factor: For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute cheese tortellini with a vegan version and use dairy-free feta.
- Dressing Variations: Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra zest.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Health Benefits:
- Tortellini provides a good source of protein and energy.
- Olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
- Feta cheese is a great source of calcium and probiotics.
- Tomatoes and cucumbers offer hydration and antioxidants.
- Red onions and garlic have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! If you don’t have tortellini, try bowtie, penne, or orzo.
Q: How long does this salad last in the fridge?
A: It stays fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free tortellini or another gluten-free pasta.
Q: Is it okay to use store-bought dressing?
A: Absolutely! A Greek or Italian vinaigrette works well as a substitute.
Would you like a printable version or any modifications to the recipe? 😊