Easy Tortellini Salad

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The Tortellini Salad,cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cubed mozzarella cheese, there’s so much to love about this simple Tortellini salad. It’s perfect for entertaining, but also makes a light lunch or dinner.

Tortellini Salad

While my brain felt completely empty. Then I noticed a half-opened pack of tortellini and some lonely cherry tomatoes, so a salad idea suddenly sparked.

However, I won’t pretend the first version turned out well since it was a total flop. The pasta was overcooked and the dressing was a strange choice because I thought mustard would be a good idea. But the second try Pure magic and the kind you just can’t stop eating.
Tortellini salad has this sneaky way of stealing the show because it’s hearty yet still feels fresh. Cold pasta might sound odd but somehow this combination works.

Have you ever tried a pasta salad that actually satisfies you without making you want to take a nap afterward? This is exactly that.

Tortellini Salad

Also, just a heads-up—if you take this to a potluck, don’t expect to bring any home since people hover around it. My cousin even asked for the recipe before she took her second bite, which is high praise coming from her.

So, let’s dive in because this recipe is definitely a keeper.

Ingredients :

  • 1 package of cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper any color, chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella cheese or mini mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup Italian salad dressing store-bought or homemade
  • Optional: 1/2 cup diced salami or grilled chicken
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish optional
Tortellini Salad

How to Make Tortellini Salad

Step 1

Boil the tortellini: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions “usually 3–5 minutes” Once done, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

Tortellini Salad

Step 2

Chop the veggies: Begin by chopping the broccoli into small florets. Finely chop the onion and seed and dice the tomato.

Mix it up: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked tortellini, all the chopped veggies, olives, and cheese. If using meat, add it in now.

Step 3

The dressing: Pour in the Italian dressing and gently toss everything until well coated. You can add a bit more dressing if you like it extra saucy.

Season and serve: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Add fresh basil on top if you have it. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large pot for boiling the tortellini
  • Strainer/colander to drain the pasta
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl big enough to hold all the ingredients
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing

Tips for Making Tortellini Salad

Cool the pasta completely before mixing it with the veggies so it doesn’t melt the cheese.

Use colorful vegetables to make the salad look as fun as it tastes

Let it chill: Tortellini Salad tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a bit. It lets all the flavors blend together.

Tortellini Salad

What to Eat Tortellini Salad ??

For me, tortilla salad is filling on its own. Sometimes I’ll have it with chicken, and a neighbor of mine swears by it with a steak, which I’ll admit is also great because it’s a hearty meal, but there’s something about a fruit smoothie that’s just so refreshing, isn’t there? It’s a game changer.


FAQ’S

Do I need to rinse the pasta after boiling it ?

Yes, rinse the tortellini under cold water to stop the cooking process and help it cool down for the salad.

What vegetables go best in Tortellini Salad ?

Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and olives are great choices. You can also add broccoli, spinach, or carrots.

How can I make this salad more filling ?

Add cooked meats like grilled chicken,, or salami. You can also toss in chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.

Is this a vegetarian recipe ?

It can be! Just skip the meat and use cheese tortellini. Add extra veggies or a vegetarian protein if you’d like.

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Tortellini Salad

Easy Tortellini Salad

Recipe by LorieCourse: Main Dish, SaladsCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Calories

350

kcal
Total time

20

minutes

A fun, fresh, and colorful Tortellini Salad packed with cheesy pasta, crisp veggies, and zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, parties, or picnics and easy enough for kids to help make!

Ingredients

  • 1 package of cheese tortellini fresh or frozen

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cucumber, diced

  • 1 bell pepper any color, chopped

  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella cheese or mini mozzarella balls

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/3 cup Italian salad dressing store-bought or homemade

  • Optional: 1/2 cup diced salami or grilled chicken

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh basil for garnish optional

Directions

  • Boil the tortellini: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions (usually 3–5 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
  • Chop the veggies: Begin by chopping the broccoli into small florets. Finely chop the onion and seed and dice the tomato.
  • Mix it up: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked tortellini, all the chopped veggies, olives, and cheese. If using meat, add it in now.
  • Add the dressing: Pour in the Italian dressing and gently toss everything until well coated. You can add a bit more dressing if you like it extra saucy.
  • Season and serve: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Add fresh basil on top if you have it. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the tortellini – It can get mushy in the salad if it's too soft. Cook just until tender al dente.
  • Rinse the tortellini in cold water – This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from sticking together.
  • Add dressing in stages – Start with a little and add more if needed. This helps control flavor and moisture.
  • Try different tortellini flavors – Like spinach and cheese or meat-filled for variety.
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Jassmin

Jassmin

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