Name: Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Tortellini; Cherry Tomatoes; Cucumbers; Red Onion; Bell Peppers; Parmesan Cheese; Olive Oil; Lemon Juice; Garlic; Italian Seasoning; Salt & Pepper

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If you’re looking for a dish that screams fresh, light, and oh-so-flavorful, then let me introduce you to this Tortellini Pasta Salad! It’s the kind of recipe that can easily become your go-to for every picnic, BBQ, or weeknight dinner. The combination of tender tortellini, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing is a total game-changer. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Tortellini Pasta Salad

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can serve this pasta salad as a main or as a side. It fits perfectly with pretty much anything you’re serving, from grilled meats to a veggie platter.

Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, you get a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a master chef to pull this one off. It’s straightforward and doesn’t take much time at all.

Customizable: Want to add grilled chicken, or maybe some olives or extra veggies? Go for it! This pasta salad is totally flexible to your tastes.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this pasta salad it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is absolutely delicious. Let’s break it down:

Tortellini: These little pasta pillows filled with cheese are the base of this salad. Soft, chewy, and perfect for soaking up the dressing.

Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and a burst of color in every bite. They add the perfect touch of freshness.

Cucumbers: Crisp, cool, and refreshing. They balance the richness of the tortellini and dressing beautifully.

Red Onion: A little tang and crunch to bring the salad to life.

Bell Peppers: I love the sweet crunch of bell peppers—feel free to mix and match colors for extra vibrancy!

Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan adds savory goodness that ties everything together.

Olive Oil: This smooth oil brings all the flavors together and gives the salad that silky texture.

Lemon Juice: A little citrusy zing to brighten up the entire dish.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for that aromatic kick.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that packs in the flavor without any extra effort.

Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course! These seasonings help balance all the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your tortellini and cook according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.

2. Chop the Veggies:
While the tortellini is cooking, chop up your cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion. The fresher, the better!

3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This is where all that flavor comes from, so make sure you give it a good whisk to combine.

4. Toss It All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled tortellini with the chopped veggies and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything until it’s evenly coated.

5. Let It Chill:
For best results, let your pasta salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors marinate and develop.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your pasta salad chilled, and garnish with a little extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
Pair it with a side of garlic bread for some extra indulgence.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, top it with fresh basil or even a few crumbled crispy bacon bits.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Make it Ahead: This pasta salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, so it’s great for meal prepping.
Add Protein: For a more filling meal, try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to boost the protein.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to swap in whatever fresh veggies are in season. Zucchini, olives, or even roasted peppers would be great additions!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, store-bought Italian dressing works great. But homemade is always better if you have the time.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free tortellini, and you’re all set.

3. How can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, just swap out the Parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative.

4. Can I freeze this pasta salad?
While it’s best served fresh or chilled, you can freeze the cooked tortellini separately if you plan on using it later.

5. How long does this pasta salad keep in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

6. Can I use other types of pasta?
Of course! Any bite-sized pasta will work. Farfalle, penne, or rotini would all be great substitutes.

7. How can I add more flavor to the dressing?
If you love a bit more tang, add a splash of red wine vinegar or Dijon mustard to the dressing.

8. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s a great option for kids! The pasta is soft and easy to eat, and the veggies can be swapped to suit their preferences.

9. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours helps all the flavors come together beautifully.

10. Can I make it spicy?
Add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the dressing for a kick!

Conclusion

Tortellini Pasta Salad is one of those recipes that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet meal at home or serving it up at a summer party, it’s sure to be a hit. So go ahead whip up this crowd-pleaser, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love Tortellini Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition Facts

How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad

Additional Tips

FAQs

Conclusion

Tortellini Pasta Salad

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition