Tortellini Pasta Salad – Fresh, Flavorful & Easy! 🥗🧄🧀
Description
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant, satisfying dish packed with cheese-stuffed tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or meal prep, this salad is loaded with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. Serve it as a light meal or a side dish—either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 20 oz (1 package) cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for a fresh twist)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes & Tips
✔ Best served cold – let it chill for maximum flavor!
✔ Make ahead – Prep the night before for easy meal planning.
✔ Customize it – Add grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas for extra protein.
✔ Swap the dressing – Try a pesto, Caesar, or balsamic dressing for variety.
Servings
Serves 4-6 people
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Health Benefits
✅ Balanced Meal – Protein, healthy fats, and carbs in one dish.
✅ Rich in Antioxidants – Tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers boost immunity.
✅ Gut-Friendly – Olives and vinegar aid digestion.
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Q&A
❓ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
✔ Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Toss before serving.
❓ Can I use frozen tortellini?
✔ Absolutely! Just cook according to package instructions and cool before mixing.
❓ What protein pairs well with this?
✔ Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or crispy prosciutto are great options.
❓ Can I make it gluten-free?
✔ Yes! Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with regular gluten-free pasta.
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is an easy, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion!