Description
A refreshing and colorful Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad combining cheese tortellini with vibrant fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives. Tossed in flavorful Italian dressing and herbs, this cold pasta salad is perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or picnics.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese
- 20 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
Vegetables
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- â…“ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, halved
Dressing and Seasonings
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini for 3 to 5 minutes or according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the tortellini cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the kalamata olives. If the mozzarella pearls are large, cut them in half to better distribute them in the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and olives.
- Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over all the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Season Salad: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and cracked black pepper to the bowl. Mix well again to ensure all flavors are incorporated.
- Chill: 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 before serving.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the salad once more to redistribute the dressing and seasonings. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs or extra mozzarella pearls for presentation.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the tortellini with cold water to prevent it from sticking together and to stop the cooking process.
- You can substitute Italian dressing with your favorite vinaigrette or homemade dressing.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to add fresh basil or parsley as garnish to boost freshness.
- For a vegan version, use vegan cheese tortellini and omit mozzarella or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
