Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
I love a good pasta salad, especially when it's easy to make and packed with flavor. I'm excited to share one of my favorite recipes: Tortellini Pasta Salad. This dish is perfect for summer BBQs, quick lunches, or a healthy main dish. It's versatile, colorful, and oh-so-delicious! Let's dive into the details.
Why Tortellini Pasta Salad?
You might be wondering, why choose tortellini for a pasta salad? The answer is simple: tortellini is cheese-filled pasta that brings an extra burst of flavor to every bite. Unlike traditional pasta salad, which often uses macaroni or rotini, tortellini adds a rich, cheesy dimension that elevates the dish to the next level. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate some of your favorite Italian ingredients like fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, and red bell peppers.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we start, let's gather all the ingredients. Here's what you'll need to make this flavorful tortellini pasta salad:
For the Salad:
1 package of cheese tortellini
1 teaspoon salt
1 small red onion, diced
2 bell peppers, chopped
4 Persian cucumbers, chopped
10 slices of salami or any deli meat
1/3 cup pecorino Romano blend
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Quick and Easy Preparation
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini
Start by heating a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually about 4-6 minutes. The key to a great tortellini salad is cooking the pasta al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients
While the tortellini is cooling, dice the red onion, chop the bell peppers and Persian cucumbers, and slice the salami. Combine all these ingredients in a large salad bowl. Fresh veggies like these add a wonderful crunch and freshness to the salad.
3. Mix the Dressing
In a mason jar, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Shake well to mix all the dressing ingredients. This simple homemade dressing is what makes this pasta salad so zesty and delicious.
4. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked tortellini to the large bowl with the vegetables and salami. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together. For best results, serve this cold or at room temperature. You can enjoy it immediately or let it sit for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips for Making the Best Tortellini Pasta Salad
Can I Customize This Recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this easy pasta salad is its versatility. You can swap the salami for grilled chicken, oven-roasted turkey breast, or even keep it meatless by adding canned chickpeas. Fresh ingredients like grape tomatoes, black olives, and fresh mozzarella balls can also be added for more variety and flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad stays fresh for about 2-3 days. If you plan to make it ahead for a summer BBQ, it's best to keep the dressing separate and mix it just before serving.
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative with your salad ingredients. Adding artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh spinach can take this dish to the next level. For a Mediterranean twist, you might consider adding feta cheese and kalamata olives to create a Greek tortellini salad.
Why I Love This Recipe
Perfect for Any Occasion
This tortellini pasta salad is not just an easy lunch option but also a perfect side dish for any gathering. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ or need a quick dish for a potluck, this salad is always a hit. The combination of fresh veggies, cheese-filled tortellini, and a zesty Italian dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Healthy and Delicious
Using fresh ingredients and a simple homemade dressing ensures that this pasta salad is both healthy and delicious. It's a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet without sacrificing taste. Plus, it's a versatile dish that you can adapt based on your preferences and what you have available in your pantry.
Making this tortellini pasta salad is incredibly easy and quick, with a total prep and cooking time of just 16 minutes. It’s a flavorful, versatile, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a package of cheese tortellini and try this recipe. I’m sure it will become one of your favorite tortellini recipes!
Enjoy this delicious and easy tortellini pasta salad at your next meal or gathering!
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 package of cheese Tortelini
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 4 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 10 slices of salami or any deli meat
- 1/3 cup pecorino, Romano blend
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat a pot with water and salt over high heat to boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions (about 4-6 mins). Drain & set aside.
- Prep the rest of the ingredients and add them to a bowl along with the cooked Tortelini.
- Shake the dressing in a mason jar & add it to the pasta salad.
- Serve this cold or warm. Use any tortellini available to you, this can be meatless or with meat.
- Swap salami for oven-roasted turkey breast or chicken breast. If you want it meatless, omit the lunch meat and add canned chickpeas.
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