Introduction
Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any gathering or as a light meal. This pasta salad combines the rich flavors of cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables, savory meats, and a zesty dressing. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great choice for potlucks, picnics, or simply enjoying at home.
Ingredients
20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
1/2 cup chopped salami or pepperoni
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach or arugula
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Dressing Ingredients
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
2 hours 25 minutes
Yield
Approximately 8 servings
Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Prepare the Dressing: While the tortellini cooks, make the dressing. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Shake well until emulsified.
3. Dress the Tortellini: Pour half of the dressing over the warm tortellini and toss gently to coat. Let cool for 10 minutes.
4. Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped kalamata olives, fresh mozzarella balls, chopped salami or pepperoni, grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach or arugula, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl with the tortellini. Pour the remaining dressing over the top and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
5. Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Toss again and taste for seasoning before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
6. Serve: Garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Tortellini
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
Prepare the Dressing
While the tortellini cooks, make the dressing. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Shake well until emulsified.
Dress the Tortellini
Pour half of the dressing over the warm tortellini and toss gently to coat. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Combine Salad Ingredients
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped kalamata olives, fresh mozzarella balls, chopped salami or pepperoni, grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach or arugula, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl with the tortellini. Pour the remaining dressing over the top and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Chill the Salad
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Toss again and taste for seasoning before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
Serve
Garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Customizations
Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables or proteins as per your preference.
Storage
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best taste, consume within 1 to 2 days.
Cook techniques
Cooking Tortellini
Cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down for the salad.
Making the Dressing
Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well until the mixture is emulsified and fully combined.
Coating Tortellini
Pour half of the dressing over the warm tortellini and toss gently to coat. Allow the tortellini to cool for about 10 minutes before adding other salad ingredients.
Combining Ingredients
Once the tortellini is cool, add all other salad ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, mozzarella, salami or pepperoni, Parmesan, spinach or arugula, and basil. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top and toss gently to combine.
Chilling the Salad
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld, which enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Serving the Salad
Garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan before serving. The salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute cheese tortellini with other pasta shapes like farfalle, penne, or rotini, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
How long can I store leftover tortellini salad?
Leftover tortellini pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead of time as the flavors improve with chilling. Just make sure to store it properly in the refrigerator.
Is this salad gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the tortellini. However, you can use gluten-free pasta or tortellini if you want to make it gluten-free.
Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Certainly! Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients such as bell peppers, artichokes, or different proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Conclusion
Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is perfect for any gathering or as a quick meal prep option. With its mix of textures and tastes, it showcases fresh ingredients and is a crowd-pleaser. The tangy dressing enhances the flavors, making each bite delightful. Allowing the salad to chill not only melds the ingredients but also elevates the overall taste. This dish can be a delightful addition to your summer picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing weekday lunch.
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