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
Scale
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
