Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant and tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines colorful vegetables with delicious cheese tortellini and savory meats, making it a delightful option for a light meal or side dish. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, a barbecue, or a family dinner, this salad is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use fresh ingredients, and you can customize it based on what you have on hand. Additionally, it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. Furthermore, it’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or potlucks.
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
Making Tortellini Pasta Salad is a simple process that anyone can follow. Just gather your ingredients and follow the directions below!
Ingredients:
- 24 ounces (1½ – 16-ounce) packages frozen tri-color cheese tortellini
- 1 cup chopped salami
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (washed and halved)
- ½ cucumber (sliced and quartered)
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella cheese)
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup diced red pepper
- ¼ cup diced green pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh sweet basil leaves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Italian salad dressing (use traditional or zesty)
Directions:
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and rinse them under cold water to cool them down and stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, chopped salami, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, mozzarella pearls, red onion, red and green bell pepper, fresh basil, kosher salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the salad ingredients.
- Drizzle the Italian salad dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Serve chilled, and you can garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad
Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. You can scoop it into bowls or serve it directly from the mixing bowl. This salad makes a lovely side dish or can be enjoyed as a main course.
How to Store Tortellini Pasta Salad
Leftover Tortellini Pasta Salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to store it, consider keeping the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Tips to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences or what is in season.
- For an extra kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice.
- Make sure to cool the tortellini properly after cooking to keep the salad refreshing.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding ingredients like grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, or different types of cheese. Switching up the salad dressing, such as using a balsamic vinaigrette, can also give it a new flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used instead of frozen. Just cook it according to the package directions, and adjust the cooking time as necessary since fresh pasta usually cooks faster.
2. Is Tortellini Pasta Salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is excellent for meal prep since it can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days.
3. Can I make Tortellini Pasta Salad vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by using plant-based tortellini if available, omitting the salami and cheese, and using a vegan dressing.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Tortellini Pasta Salad at your next gathering!
