Zesty Garden-Fresh Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Crafting a delightful tortellini pasta salad brings joy to summer gatherings and casual lunch moments.

Vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that feel both refreshing and comforting.

Cheese-filled tortellini serve as the perfect canvas for crisp vegetables and zesty dressing.

Mediterranean-inspired herbs and tangy vinaigrette complement the pasta’s rich texture.

Colorful bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender olives add depth to each delectable bite.

Light yet satisfying, this dish promises to become your go-to recipe for picnics and potlucks.

Savor every forkful and let the culinary magic unfold before you.

Why You’ll Love Tortellini Pasta Salad Every Time

• Boost Flavor Complexity: The recipe combines tangy vinaigrette with fresh herbs and vegetables, creating a multi-layered taste experience that keeps every bite interesting.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like olives or cheese to match personal preferences or dietary needs, making this salad super adaptable for different palates.
• Quick Prep Champion: Minimal cooking required and simple chopping techniques mean you can assemble this dish rapidly, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with colorful ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this tortellini pasta salad appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for potlucks and family meals.

What Goes In Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that serves as the main foundation of this refreshing salad.

• Red Onion, Cucumber: Crisp vegetables that add crunch and sharp flavor to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy elements that provide bright color and fresh taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Herbs that contribute vibrant and fragrant notes to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Essential components that create a zesty and smooth vinaigrette base.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that helps emulsify and add depth to the dressing.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate the salad's taste.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny and rich Mediterranean ingredient that adds complexity.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty cheese that provides a creamy finish to the salad.

How To Make Tortellini Pasta Salad Quick And Easy

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini

Place tortellini in a pot of salted boiling water. Cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Vegetables

• Red onion
• Cucumber

Mince garlic cloves into tiny pieces. Halve cherry tomatoes and roughly chop fresh basil and parsley leaves.

Step 3: Craft Zesty Vinaigrette

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until ingredients create a smooth, vibrant dressing.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Dressing

Add cooled tortellini to the vinaigrette. Gently toss to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated with the tangy mixture.

Step 5: Mix in Vegetables and Herbs

• Chopped red onion
• Diced cucumber
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Kalamata olives
• Chopped basil
• Chopped parsley

Step 6: Add Cheese and Chill

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the salad. Gently fold to distribute ingredients evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and intensify.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Give the salad a final gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing summer side dish or light meal.

Simple Tips For Tortellini Pasta Salad Perfection

• Rinse Pasta Properly: Use cold water immediately after cooking to halt the cooking process and prevent mushy tortellini.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow herbs and dressing to deeply infuse into the pasta.
• Chop Vegetables Uniformly: Cut ingredients into similar-sized pieces to ensure balanced texture and even distribution of flavors.
• Adjust Seasoning Carefully: Taste and add salt, pepper, or extra vinegar just before serving to brighten the overall taste profile.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap parmesan for feta or mozzarella to create different flavor variations and suit personal preferences.

Fun Ways To Change Up Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Mix: Replace kalamata olives with sun-dried tomatoes and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version with tangy Mediterranean flavors.
• Protein Power: Incorporate grilled chicken strips or diced salami to transform the salad into a hearty main course with extra protein punch.
• Veggie Burst: Swap cucumber with roasted zucchini and add grilled artichoke hearts for a more robust vegetable profile and deeper roasted undertones.
• Spicy Southwest: Mix in black beans, corn kernels, and sprinkle chili powder to create a zesty southwestern-style tortellini salad with bold, vibrant notes.

Tasty Pairings For Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the salad's tangy vinaigrette and fresh herb notes, cutting through the richness of the cheese and pasta.
• Match with Mediterranean Appetizer: Serve alongside grilled bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil to echo the salad's Mediterranean flavors and create a cohesive dining experience.
• Enhance with Protein Side: Add grilled chicken or seared shrimp to transform the salad into a complete meal, providing additional protein and creating a more substantial dining option.
• Balance with Light Bread: Offer a crusty baguette or focaccia to soak up the delicious vinaigrette and provide a textural contrast to the soft tortellini and crisp vegetables.

Smart Storage For Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Transfer leftover tortellini pasta salad to an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Consume the salad within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, keeping it consistently refrigerated at or below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store separately if possible – keep herbs in a sealed container with slight moisture, vegetables in crisper drawer, and dressing in a separate sealed jar to maintain individual ingredient quality.
• Avoid freezing this salad as the vegetables will become watery and lose crispness, and the pasta texture will deteriorate upon thawing, compromising the overall dish's integrity.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Questions You Might Ask

• Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just cook according to package instructions and cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this pasta salad vegetarian?

The basic recipe is vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternative.

• How long can this pasta salad stay fresh?

This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after the first few hours.

• Can I substitute the herbs if I don't have fresh ones?

Dried herbs can work, but use about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Summer sparkles with this Italian-inspired tortellini pasta salad, where cheese-filled pasta mingles with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs. Fresh Mediterranean flavors dance through each colorful bite, inviting you to savor a perfect picnic or potluck companion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 16 oz tortellini
• 1 cup cheese tortellini
• 1 cup meat tortellini

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 1/2 cup cucumber
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives

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Instructions

1. Cook tortellini in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
2. While pasta cools, finely dice red onion, cucumber, and mince garlic cloves into tiny pieces.
3. Halve cherry tomatoes and roughly chop fresh basil and parsley leaves.
4. Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl to create a vibrant vinaigrette.
5. Add cooled tortellini to the dressing, gently tossing to ensure even coating.
6. Incorporate chopped vegetables, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs into the pasta mixture.
7. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the salad, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly.
8. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
9. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Serve chilled as a refreshing summer side dish or light meal.

Notes

• Prevent overcooking tortellini by setting a timer and testing for al dente texture, ensuring pasta remains firm and bouncy.
• Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to halt the cooking process and maintain a cool temperature for the salad.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to create consistent bite sizes and ensure even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Customize the salad by swapping tortellini with gluten-free alternatives or adding protein like grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg