Description
A refreshing and flavorful Greek Pasta Salad featuring tender cheese tortellini, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
Cheese and Herbs
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down for the salad.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives. Crumble the feta cheese and chop the fresh parsley finely.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini, chopped vegetables, sliced olives, crumbled feta, and parsley. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients.
- Toss and Chill: Gently toss the salad ingredients with the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: After chilling, give the salad a final gentle toss and serve chilled as a delicious, refreshing dish perfect for warm weather meals or potlucks.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or high-quality frozen cheese tortellini.
- You can customize the salad by adding bell peppers or a splash of balsamic vinegar for variation.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the lemon juice or red wine vinegar slightly.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge, but add fresh herbs like parsley just before serving for brightness.
- Serve this salad as a standalone meal or as a side to grilled meats or seafood.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek pasta salad, tortellini salad, vegetarian pasta salad, feta cheese salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, cold pasta salad, summer salad
