Tortellini Pasta Salad

I have always loved making fresh, vibrant dishes that bring people together. This tortellini pasta salad recipe is one that I often prepare when friends visit or when I need something quick yet satisfying. I remember the first time I made it for a summer picnic; it disappeared within minutes. The creamy tortellini paired with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing made everyone ask for seconds. Since then, it has become a staple in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love this tortellini pasta salad because it is packed with bold flavors and a satisfying texture. The creamy cheese tortellini complements the crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes perfectly. The fresh basil and baby spinach add a burst of color and freshness. Moreover, the homemade dressing ties everything together beautifully with a hint of sweetness and tang.

Another reason to adore this recipe is that it is ideal for many occasions. Whether it’s a casual family lunch or a festive gathering, this dish always impresses guests. Additionally, it holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

Versatile

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Swap the mozzarella balls with cubes of your favorite cheese. Use baby spinach or arugula depending on your preference. You can also replace salami or pepperoni with grilled chicken or even skip it for a vegetarian version. The dressing is also easy to tweak by adjusting the sweetness or adding more herbs.

Budget-Friendly

This recipe proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create something delicious. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or affordable items from the grocery store. Even fresh tortellini and mozzarella can be found at reasonable prices. Since the dish is quite filling, it can serve as both a main dish or a hearty side, stretching your food budget further.

Ingredients for Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need for this tortellini pasta salad:

• 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls

• 1/2 cup chopped beef salami or beef pepperoni

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups baby spinach or arugula

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup apple vinegar

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

This combination creates a vibrant, flavorful, and irresistible dish every time.

How to Make This Recipe

Let me walk you through how I make this tortellini pasta salad. It is a simple process, but the results are always impressive. Whenever I prepare it, I love how quickly everything comes together. Plus, it’s so easy to adjust according to what I have in my kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making

First, I start by cooking the tortellini. I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is ready, I add the tortellini and cook it according to the package directions. I make sure to cook it until it is al dente. This step usually takes just a few minutes.

After the tortellini is cooked, I drain it well. I always rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down slightly. Then, I transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

While the tortellini cools a bit, I prepare the dressing. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, I combine extra virgin olive oil, apple vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Once everything is in the jar, I close the lid tightly and shake it well. This process helps the dressing emulsify and become smooth.

Next, I pour half of the dressing over the warm tortellini. I toss it gently, making sure every piece is coated. Then, I let it sit and cool for about ten minutes. This resting time helps the tortellini absorb the flavors of the dressing.

After the cooling time, I add all the chopped vegetables and other ingredients to the bowl. I include halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, chopped beef salami or beef pepperoni, grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach or arugula, and chopped fresh basil.

Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, I pour in the remaining dressing. I toss everything gently to combine. I always make sure to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.

At this stage, I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad. I let it chill for at least two hours. This chilling time is essential because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, I toss the salad again and check the seasoning. I usually add more salt, pepper, or apple vinegar if needed.

Finally, I garnish the salad with extra basil and Parmesan if I want a bit more flair. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on my mood or the occasion.

Quick and Easy

One of the main reasons I adore this recipe is that it’s incredibly quick and easy. From start to finish, it takes around twenty-five minutes, plus chilling time. The steps are straightforward, and most of the preparation involves just chopping and mixing.

I love that I can whip it up on busy weekdays or for last-minute gatherings. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this dish an excellent go-to option.

Customizable

This tortellini pasta salad is also very customizable. Sometimes, I swap the mozzarella for cubes of cheddar or gouda. Other times, I add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. The type of leafy greens can vary too; both baby spinach and arugula work perfectly.

The dressing can be adjusted by adding more honey for sweetness or extra mustard for a tangy kick. I also like experimenting with different herbs, such as parsley or dill, to change the flavor profile slightly.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whenever I serve this salad, it gets rave reviews. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it stand out on any table. The creamy tortellini pairs perfectly with the crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing. Guests often go back for second servings, and I always get requests for the recipe.

What I love most is that this dish appeals to many tastes. It works well as a main course or a side dish. Its refreshing, satisfying nature makes it suitable for picnics, potlucks, or even weeknight dinners.

FAQs

Can I make this tortellini pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a few hours in advance. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. You can even prepare it the night before and keep it chilled until ready to serve.

How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?
This salad stays fresh for up to three days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I usually give it a quick toss before serving to refresh the flavors.

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini if needed. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and proceed with the recipe as usual.

What can I substitute for beef salami or beef pepperoni?
If you prefer, you can replace beef salami or beef pepperoni with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or simply omit it for a vegetarian version.

Is it necessary to use fresh mozzarella balls?
Fresh mozzarella balls add a soft, creamy texture, but you can substitute them with cubes of your favorite cheese if needed.

Can I adjust the dressing ingredients?
Definitely! You can make the dressing sweeter by adding more honey, or more tangy by increasing the apple vinegar. Adjust it according to your taste preferences.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Rinsing the cooked tortellini under cold water helps prevent sticking. Also, tossing it with a bit of dressing while it is still warm keeps it from clumping.

Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is ideal for serving a crowd. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate more guests, making it perfect for potlucks and parties.

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