Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad
Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a light meal. This salad features tender cheese-filled tortellini tossed with vibrant vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing that ties everything together. The richness of the cheese in the tortellini pairs wonderfully with the crunch of the vegetables and the tangy dressing, making each bite a delightful balance of flavors. It’s easy to make, versatile, and can be served cold, making it an ideal option for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
For the Pasta Salad:
Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta down quickly. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and chopped fresh herbs. If using mozzarella cheese, add it to the bowl as well.
For the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or sugar), minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or honey for balance.
To Assemble:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until well combined.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a final toss and add more fresh herbs or cheese if desired.
Notes
You can customize this salad by adding other ingredients such as bell peppers, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
For a protein boost, grilled chicken, ham, or salami can be added.
If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can mix in a little bit of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
The salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just be sure to stir it again before serving.
Find it online: https://richspoon.com/cheese-tortellini-pasta-salad/