Broccoli BLT Tortellini Salad Recipe

The First Bite That Changed Lunch

I first tried this salad at a summer potluck. The cool tortellini felt perfect on a hot day. I loved the mix of soft pasta and crisp bacon. Ever wondered how to make a simple salad feel special? The fresh broccoli added a nice crunch. It was love at first taste. I knew I had to make my own version.

My First Kitchen Surprise

My first try had a small disaster. I forgot to cool the tortellini properly. The warm pasta made the ranch dressing a bit soupy. This taught me that good food needs a little patience. Cooking connects us to the people we share meals with. It is a simple way to show you care. Now I always use that ice bath.

Why The Flavors Work

This dish is a party of textures and tastes. You get creamy cheese, salty bacon, and fresh, crisp veggies. The cool ranch ties it all together beautifully. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Is it the broccoli with the cheddar? Or the tomato with the bacon? Let me know your favorite part in the comments.

A Modern American Classic

This salad is a true American fusion dish. It combines Italian tortellini with the classic BLT sandwich. Ranch dressing became popular in the 1950s. *Did you know ranch is America’s favorite salad dressing?* This recipe brings all these ideas to your table. It is a new take on familiar favorites. What is your go-to potluck dish to share?

Ingredient	Amount	Note
Fresh Cheese Tortellini	14 oz bag
Broccoli	2 cups	cut into 1-inch pieces
Bacon	6 slices	cooked and cooled
Green Onions	3	sliced, green parts only
Cheddar Cheese	1 1/2 cups	freshly shredded
Cherry Tomatoes	1 cup	sliced
Ranch Dressing	1 cup

Let’s Make This Easy Pasta Salad

Step 1 First, boil a large pot of water. Cook your fresh cheese tortellini for four minutes. You want it to be just tender. Do not let it get too soft.
Step 2 While it cooks, prepare a big bowl of ice water. Use a slotted spoon to move the pasta. Place the hot tortellini right into the ice bath. This stops the cooking process fast.
Step 3 Stir the pasta until it feels cool. Then pour it into a colander to drain. Let it sit for ten minutes. (A hard-learned tip: drying the pasta helps the dressing stick better).
Step 4 Make another ice bath in that same bowl. Now, add your broccoli pieces to the water. Cook it for just one minute. You want it bright green and crisp.
Step 5 Remove the broccoli with your slotted spoon. Plunge it directly into the ice water. This keeps its perfect crunch. No one likes mushy broccoli.
Step 6 Drain the ice water from the broccoli. Let it sit to drain completely. You want to remove as much water as possible. A soggy salad is no fun.
Step 7 Finally, toss everything in a large mixing bowl. Add the tortellini, broccoli, and all other ingredients. Season with a little salt and pepper. Give it a good, gentle mix.
Step 8 Serve your salad in a nice bowl. Top it with more crispy bacon and green onions. This makes it look extra special. Then, watch it disappear. What is the best way to keep your broccoli crisp? Share below!
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Lunch, Salad

Try These Fun Twists

This recipe is like a blank canvas. You can change it in so many ways. Make it your own with one of these ideas. I love seeing what you create.
Italian Style: Swap cheddar for mozzarella. Use Italian dressing instead of ranch. Add some sliced pepperoni for fun.
Veggie Power: Skip the bacon completely. Add a can of rinsed chickpeas for protein. It is hearty and delicious.
Summer Grill: Use grilled corn cut from the cob. Add some creamy avocado chunks. A squeeze of lime brightens it up. Which spin would you try first? Vote for your favorite in the comments!

Serving It Up Right

This salad is a full meal on its own. But you can make it a bigger feast. I like to add a simple side. It rounds out the dinner table nicely. Serve it with a crusty baguette for dipping. Or offer a simple side of fresh fruit. For a drink, iced tea is always a winner. A crisp lager also pairs beautifully. Which would you choose tonight: the baguette or the fruit?

Keeping Your Salad Fresh

Store this salad in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. I do not recommend freezing this dish. The textures will get too soggy. For a quick lunch, just grab and go. No reheating needed.

This is a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks. My grandson loves when I pack it for his lunches. Having ready-to-eat food saves so much time. It helps you avoid less healthy takeout. What is your favorite lunch to pack for a busy day?

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

Is your salad looking a bit dry? Simply stir in an extra splash of ranch dressing. If the broccoli seems too hard, you did not blanch it long enough. Try 90 seconds in the boiling water next time.

Salty bacon and ranch can make the whole dish salty. That is why you should always taste before adding extra salt. A soggy salad often means the ingredients were not drained well. Let everything dry completely on paper towels before mixing.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free tortellini. Check your ranch dressing label too.

How far ahead can I make it?
You can assemble it a day ahead. Keep the dressing separate until you serve.

What can I use instead of bacon?
Try chopped ham or chickpeas for a different twist. Both are delicious.

Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely. A creamy Italian or Caesar dressing would work wonderfully here.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Of course! It is a huge hit at potlucks. Just use a very large bowl.

Your New Go-To Meal

I hope this recipe becomes a trusted favorite in your home. It truly has all the best flavors in one bowl. I love seeing your kitchen creations. It makes my day.

Share a photo of your dish and tag Amelia Hartwell on Pinterest.
Happy cooking! —Amelia Hartwell.