Pasta Salad With Tortellini Easy and Delicious Recipe

Introduction to Tortellini Pasta Salad

Are you looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor? If you’ve ever wondered how to create a pasta salad that’s more exciting than your average side dish, then you’ve come to the right place! This Tortellini Pasta Salad is a game-changer. It’s the perfect blend of tender pasta, fresh vegetables, savory protein, and a zesty dressing that ties it all together. Whether you’re planning a potluck, a family reunion, a summer barbecue, or just need a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is designed to impress without compromising on simplicity. Get ready to discover a new go-to recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

The Heart of the Salad: Delicious Ingredients

The beauty of this tortellini pasta salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. We’ve carefully selected ingredients that offer a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. Here’s what you’ll need:

The Star: Tortellini

• 24 ounces (about 680g) Cheese Tortellini: These little pasta pockets are the foundation of our salad. Choose your favorite – cheese is classic, but spinach or meat-filled varieties work wonderfully too. They should be cooked al dente, offering a slight chewiness.

Vibrant Veggies for Crunch and Color

• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved: Their vibrant red hue and sweet, juicy burst are essential. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, dice a larger ripe tomato.
• 1 cup Cucumber, diced: For a cool, crisp crunch. English cucumbers are great as they have thinner skin and fewer seeds.
• 1/2 cup Red Onion, finely chopped: Adds a sharp, pungent bite that balances the richness. For a milder flavor, soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
• 1/2 cup Bell Pepper (any color), diced: Green, red, yellow, or orange peppers all bring sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped: For a burst of herbaceous freshness and bright green flecks throughout the salad.

Savory Protein Boost

• 1 cup cooked Chicken Breast, diced: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Grilled or boiled chicken also works perfectly. For a vegetarian option, consider chickpeas or white beans.
• Optional: 4 ounces Salami or Pepperoni, diced: For a more robust, Italian-inspired flavor profile. (Use sparingly if focusing on healthier aspects).

The Zesty Dressing

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: The creamy binder that coats everything. Use good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
• 1/4 cup Italian Dressing: This adds a tangy, herby kick. You can use a store-bought version or your favorite homemade recipe.
• 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar: For extra tanginess.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.

Timing is Everything: Prep, Cook, and Enjoy

This recipe is designed to be efficient without sacrificing quality. Here’s how the timing breaks down:

Compared to many complex pasta salads that can take an hour or more from start to finish, this recipe is remarkably quick. The key is efficient prep while the tortellini cooks, and the minimal cooking involved is just for the pasta itself.

Crafting Your Tortellini Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious tortellini pasta salad:

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Avoid overcooking, as mushy tortellini will ruin the salad’s texture. Once cooked, drain the tortellini thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside to drain completely.

Step 2: Prepare Your Fresh Ingredients

While the tortellini is cooking, it’s the perfect time to prep your other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, chop the fresh parsley, and dice your cooked chicken. If you’re using salami or pepperoni, dice it as well. Aim for bite-sized pieces that are roughly uniform in size so they mix well and are easy to eat.

Step 3: Bring it All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tortellini, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and diced chicken (and salami/pepperoni, if using). In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined and smooth. This is your flavorful dressing!

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Pour the dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to several hours) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If the salad seems a bit dry after chilling, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of additional Italian dressing or a splash of water.

Nutritional Snapshot

While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving of this tortellini pasta salad (approximately 1.5 cups) is generally:

• Calories: 350-500 kcal (depending on chicken, salami, and dressing richness)
• Protein: 15-25g
• Fat: 20-35g
• Carbohydrates: 25-40g
• Fiber: 3-6g

This salad offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal or side. The vegetables contribute essential vitamins and fiber.

Healthier Twists on a Classic

Looking to lighten things up without sacrificing taste? Here are some simple swaps:

• Lighter Dressing: Substitute Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise for half of the regular mayonnaise to reduce fat and increase protein.
• More Veggies: Load up on extra vegetables like broccoli florets (lightly steamed), shredded carrots, or chopped celery for added fiber and nutrients.
• Leaner Protein: Opt for grilled chicken breast or even canned tuna (drained) instead of heavily processed meats like salami. For a vegetarian option, kidney beans or chickpeas are excellent choices.
• Whole Wheat Tortellini: If available, choose whole wheat tortellini for added fiber.

Serving Suggestions to Impress

This tortellini pasta salad is incredibly versatile:

• As a Main Dish: Serve a generous portion on its own for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
• As a Side Dish: It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish, or burgers at any barbecue or picnic.
• Potluck Favorite: Its portability and crowd-pleasing nature make it a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
• Additions: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

To ensure your tortellini pasta salad is a success every time, steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the Tortellini: Mushy pasta is the bane of any good pasta salad. Cook until just al dente.
• Dressing Too Soon: While chilling is important for flavors to meld, over-chilling without enough dressing can make the pasta absorb all the moisture, resulting in a dry salad. Add the dressing just before serving if making far in advance, or add a little extra dressing after chilling.
• Chopping Ingredients Unevenly: Inconsistent sizes can make the salad less appealing and harder to eat.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. This is crucial for bringing out the best flavors.

Storing Your Delicious Creation

Leftover tortellini pasta salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even tastier on the second day! If the salad becomes dry after a day or two, you can refresh it with a little extra dressing or a splash of olive oil and vinegar before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Salad

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ThisSalami-Mozzarella Tortellini Pasta Saladis a delightful medley of flavors and textures, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing meal on a warm day. The tender tortellini pairs beautifully with the savory salami, creamy mozzarella, and crisp veggies, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing.

• Author: Chef Sally

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the salad:1(16 oz) package tortellini pasta1 cupsalami, diced1 cupmozzarella cheese, cubed or pearl-sized1 cupcherry tomatoes, halved1 cupcucumber, dicedFor the dressing:3 tbspolive oil2 tbspvinegar1 tspItalian seasoningSalt, to tastePepper, to taste
• 1(16 oz) package tortellini pasta1 cupsalami, diced1 cupmozzarella cheese, cubed or pearl-sized1 cupcherry tomatoes, halved1 cupcucumber, dicedFor the dressing:3 tbspolive oil2 tbspvinegar1 tspItalian seasoningSalt, to tastePepper, to taste
• 1 cupsalami, diced
• 1 cupmozzarella cheese, cubed or pearl-sized1 cupcherry tomatoes, halved1 cupcucumber, dicedFor the dressing:3 tbspolive oil2 tbspvinegar1 tspItalian seasoningSalt, to tastePepper, to taste
• 1 cupcherry tomatoes, halved1 cupcucumber, dicedFor the dressing:3 tbspolive oil2 tbspvinegar1 tspItalian seasoningSalt, to tastePepper, to taste
• 1 cupcucumber, diced
• For the dressing:3 tbspolive oil2 tbspvinegar1 tspItalian seasoningSalt, to tastePepper, to taste
• 3 tbspolive oil2 tbspvinegar1 tspItalian seasoningSalt, to tastePepper, to taste
• 2 tbspvinegar
• 1 tspItalian seasoningSalt, to tastePepper, to taste
• Salt, to tastePepper, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. 1️⃣Cook the Tortellini:Prepare the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and allow it to cool completely.2️⃣Combine Salad Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, diced salami, chopped mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber.3️⃣Make the Dressing:In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well blended.4️⃣Dress the Salad:Drizzle the dressing over the tortellini mixture. Toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.5️⃣Refrigerate:Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
2. 2️⃣Combine Salad Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, diced salami, chopped mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced cucumber.3️⃣Make the Dressing:In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well blended.4️⃣Dress the Salad:Drizzle the dressing over the tortellini mixture. Toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.5️⃣Refrigerate:Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
3. 3️⃣Make the Dressing:In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well blended.
4. 4️⃣Dress the Salad:Drizzle the dressing over the tortellini mixture. Toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.5️⃣Refrigerate:Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
5. 5️⃣Refrigerate:Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Customize the veggies by adding bell peppers, red onions, or olives for added variety.This salad can be made a day ahead, making it a convenient choice for gatherings.
This salad can be made a day ahead, making it a convenient choice for gatherings.