Italian Tortellini Salad
A colorful and refreshing Italian Tortellini Salad, perfect for summer gatherings, combining cheese-filled tortellini, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces refrigerated or frozen tortellini (cheese or your choice of filling)
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir gently to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Preparing the Vegetables
- While tortellini is cooking, prepare the fresh vegetables.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes, slice them in half, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper. Thinly slice the black olives and red onion. Add all these ingredients to the mixing bowl.
Combining Cheese and Herbs
- Add the halved mozzarella balls and chopped fresh basil to the bowl with the vegetables. Mix gently to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Making the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as desired.
Assembling the Salad
- Add the cooked and cooled tortellini to the bowl with the mixed vegetables and cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad, then gently toss everything together until well-coated.
Chilling and Serving
- For optimal flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Once chilled, give the salad another gentle toss before serving. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Pro tips include cooking tortellini al dente for the best texture, using fresh ingredients, customizing your dressing, and adding protein for a fuller meal. The salad can also be made in advance for convenience.