Description
This Garden Tortellini Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the richness of cheese tortellini with the crunch of fresh vegetables and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, light lunches, or as a side dish, this salad is easy to make and loaded with flavor. With its colorful mix of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, plus the addition of fresh basil and Parmesan, it’s a healthy yet satisfying choice for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well-combined and emulsified.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large salad bowl, mix together the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the salad with fresh basil leaves and toss again lightly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For added protein, include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Swap out vegetables or use different pasta like penne or fusilli if desired.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based tortellini and dairy-free Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Refrigeration Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Lunch
- Method: Tossing, Refrigerating
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
