Description
This refreshing Tortellini Pasta Salad combines cheese tortellini with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, olives, and crumbled feta, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a summer side dish, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is easy to prepare and can be served cold, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings or quick lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini, refrigerated or frozen
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes for refrigerated or frozen tortellini. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Combine salad ingredients: Transfer the cooled tortellini to a large mixing bowl. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing and olive oil over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat everything with the dressing, taking care not to break the tortellini or crush the vegetables.
- Season and chill: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix lightly and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish the salad with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired for a burst of herbaceous freshness and added color.
Notes
- For added protein, toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- You can use store-bought or homemade Italian dressing based on your preference.
- Refrigerating the salad improves the flavor as the ingredients marinate together.
- Make sure to rinse the tortellini in cold water after cooking to prevent clumping and keep the pasta firm.
