Tortellini Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Introduction
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for warm days or as a crowd-pleasing side. Filled with colorful vegetables, creamy cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s both easy to make and irresistibly flavorful.
Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (cooked and cooled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for balance)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2: Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and black olives. Slice the fresh basil into thin strips.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and honey until well combined.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the chopped vegetables, mozzarella pearls, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, toss once more and garnish with the fresh basil.
- Step 6: Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing and flavorful pasta salad as a main dish or side.
Tips & Variations
- For added protein, mix in grilled chicken or cooked shrimp.
- Swap out the black olives for green olives or capers for a different flavor.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini to suit dietary preferences.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula for extra greens and nutrients.
- If you prefer a creamier dressing, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Storage
Store the Tortellini Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop nicely over time, but the salad is best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal freshness. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle toss and add a splash of olive oil or vinegar if it seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, making this salad a few hours or even the day before enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just be sure to refrigerate it properly and toss before serving.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can substitute with fresh parsley or spinach for a mild green flavor, or use 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil as an alternative.
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Tortellini Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Tortellini Pasta Salad combines cheese tortellini with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, mozzarella pearls, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and Mediterranean flavors, enhanced by fresh basil and a hint of honey.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (cooked and cooled)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for balance)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Basil: While the tortellini cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the black olives. Chop the fresh basil into thin strips to use as a garnish and mix-in.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using) to create a well-blended, tangy dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, prepared vegetables, mozzarella pearls, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients without breaking the pasta.
- Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and garnish with the fresh basil strips. Serve chilled for a refreshing and flavorful pasta salad experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the ingredients marinate together.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference and the saltiness of the cheese and olives.
- You can substitute cheese tortellini with spinach or meat tortellini for variation.
- Adding a teaspoon of honey balances the acidity of the vinegar but can be omitted for a more tangy profile.
- Make sure to rinse the tortellini under cold water after cooking to stop it from sticking and overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Tortellini pasta salad, cheese tortellini salad, Italian pasta salad, cold pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, summer pasta salad
