Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
If you are looking for a vibrant, delicious dish that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Tortellini Pasta Salad is exactly what you need. Packed with colorful fresh vegetables, tender cheese tortellini, and a zesty dressing, it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and refreshing. Whether you are preparing a quick lunch, a picnic dish, or a potluck contribution, this salad dazzles with its harmonious blend of textures and flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the heart and soul of the Tortellini Pasta Salad. Simple yet thoughtfully chosen, each one brings a unique note to the dish — from creamy cheese-filled pasta to crisp veggies and a tangy, herby dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
- Cheese tortellini (12 ounces): Choose fresh or refrigerated for the best tender texture and cheesy flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Sweet bursts of juiciness that brighten every forkful.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Adds a cool crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft pasta.
- Bell pepper (1, diced): Offers vibrant color and a faintly sweet note.
- Red onion (½ cup, finely chopped): Delivers a sharp, savory kick.
- Black olives (½ cup, sliced): Provide a briny depth that balances the fresh flavors.
- Mozzarella balls (1 cup, drained): Creamy chunks that boost the salad’s richness and texture.
- Olive oil (½ cup): The base of the dressing, bringing smoothness and richness.
- Red wine vinegar (¼ cup): Adds bright acidity to elevate every bite.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb that infuses Mediterranean warmth.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to sharpen and enhance the overall profile.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional): A fresh, aromatic touch just before serving.
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, until it reaches a perfect al dente firmness. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This step stops the cooking process and cools the tortellini down, preparing it perfectly for the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables
While the tortellini cools, gather your fresh ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and the drained mozzarella balls. Every veggie here contributes a layer of flavor and texture that makes the salad so delightful.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This tangy and herbaceous dressing is what brings all the ingredients together, offering a zesty coating that coats every bite.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl with the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated. Take care to be gentle so the mozzarella balls stay intact and the tortellini remains tender and plump.
Step 5: Chill and Adjust
Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and chill it for at least 15 minutes. This rest time allows the flavors to marry beautifully and for the salad to develop a refreshing chill that enhances its appeal. Before serving, give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if you think it needs a boost.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For a bright final touch, garnish your Tortellini Pasta Salad with fresh basil leaves just before serving. The aromatic herb adds an irresistible fragrance and an extra burst of freshness that elevates the dish elegantly.
How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic garnish that pairs perfectly with this salad, but you can also try sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan or a few toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor layers. These small touches make the salad feel extra special and visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This Tortellini Pasta Salad shines both as a standalone dish and as a side. Pair it with grilled chicken, succulent steaks, or even light seafood like shrimp skewers for a complete meal. Its cool, tangy profile complements richer proteins beautifully and adds balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the salad in clear glass bowls or mason jars to showcase its vibrant colors. Alternatively, you can stuff the salad into hollowed-out bell peppers or tomatoes for a fun, edible presentation. These ideas turn a simple pasta salad into a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad keeps well for up to 3 days, although the flavors become even more pronounced after a day in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing is not recommended. Freezing may compromise the texture of the tortellini and cause vegetables to become soggy and lose their crispness.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If your tortellini pasta salad has been chilled for a while, simply let it sit out for 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this salad?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just fine. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions and rinse with cold water afterward to stop the cooking and cool it down for the salad.
What dressing works best for Tortellini Pasta Salad?
The classic combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano creates a zesty and herby dressing that perfectly complements the salad. You can always add a little Dijon mustard or minced garlic for more punch.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make this Tortellini Pasta Salad vegan, substitute the cheese tortellini with a plant-based pasta and swap the mozzarella balls for a vegan cheese or marinated tofu cubes. Adjust the dressing to exclude any honey or dairy ingredients if used.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to blend nicely and the salad to become pleasantly cool, which really enhances the eating experience. If you have more time, an hour is even better!
What variations can I try to customize this salad?
Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, or even some toasted nuts for crunch. Each tweak brings a new twist while keeping the heart of the Tortellini Pasta Salad intact.
Final Thoughts
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is one of those dishes that won’t just satisfy your hunger but will also brighten your day with its fresh flavors and joyful colors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a simple yet elegant meal for yourself, this salad is a versatile winner. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every delicious bite just as much as I do.
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Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Tortellini Pasta Salad combines tender cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Enhanced with black olives and mozzarella balls, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or potluck, offering a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 each bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, drained
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and drained mozzarella balls.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Once the tortellini is cool, add it to the mixing bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill the Salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the salad garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortellini.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
- Add grilled chicken or bacon for a protein boost.
- Substitute mozzarella balls with feta cheese for a tangier flavor.
- Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant herbal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Tortellini pasta salad, cheese tortellini salad, Italian pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad
