This Italian tortellini pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side for any meal. Made with cheese-filled tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, it embodies the essence of summer dining.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy tortellini pasta salad recipes that are both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Vibrant Ingredients for a Refreshing Salad
This Italian tortellini pasta salad is a delightful combination of colorful ingredients that bring summer to your table.
Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers add a fresh crunch, while the cheese tortellini provides a satisfying base.
Each bite is a burst of flavor, making it an ideal choice for picnics or potlucks.
The addition of olives and red onion introduces a savory depth, enhancing the overall experience of this dish.
Preparation Made Simple
Creating this salad is straightforward, requiring just a few steps to achieve a delicious outcome.
Start by cooking the tortellini according to package instructions, then cool it under cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the tortellini with the fresh vegetables, ensuring an even distribution of colors and textures.
Drizzling the salad with a tangy Italian dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Chilling for Flavor Fusion
Once the ingredients are combined, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
This step is essential for letting the flavors meld, resulting in a more cohesive taste.
While the salad chills, you can prepare your picnic setup or simply relax and enjoy the anticipation of a delicious meal.
Garnishing for Presentation
Before serving, consider garnishing the salad with fresh basil or parsley.
This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the aromatic experience of the dish.
Presentation matters, especially when sharing with friends and family, so take a moment to make it visually appealing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This tortellini pasta salad is versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a main course.
Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a standout option for summer gatherings or casual dinners.
With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying solution for any meal.
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
Each serving of this salad offers a balanced mix of nutrients, making it a healthy choice for various diets.
With approximately 250 calories per serving, it’s a light yet filling option that won’t weigh you down.
Pair this salad with a glass of iced tea for a refreshing summer meal that everyone will enjoy.
Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
This tortellini pasta salad features cooked tortellini tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives, all coated in a tangy Italian dressing. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini, cooked and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, black olives, and red onion.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your refreshing tortellini pasta salad!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 32g