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To make a delicious Italian tortellini pasta salad, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 12 oz cheese tortellini - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced - 1/3 cup Italian dressing - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish Each of these items adds flavor and color to your salad. The cheese tortellini gives it a nice, filling base. I love using cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for their crunch. Bell peppers bring sweetness, while red onion adds a bit of sharpness. Don’t forget the black olives! They add a briny taste that works well. The Italian dressing coats everything in zesty goodness. Fresh basil brightens it all up. Finally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for that creamy finish. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a fresh, flavorful dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by filling a pot with water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the tortellini in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps the pasta firm and fresh. While the tortellini cools, grab a large mixing bowl. Cut 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl. Dice 1 cup of cucumber and add that too. Next, chop 1/2 cup of bell pepper, either red or yellow. Finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion for a nice kick. Finally, slice 1/2 cup of black olives. Toss all these fresh veggies together in the bowl. Now it’s time to bring the salad together. Add the cooled tortellini to the vegetable mix. Drizzle 1/3 cup of Italian dressing over everything. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly. You want all the ingredients coated with the dressing. Then, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor. To let the flavors blend, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time helps the salad taste better. When you’re ready to serve, give it a final toss. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This adds a creamy touch to your dish. When selecting tortellini, I recommend cheese-filled options for the best flavor. Fresh tortellini tastes great but frozen ones work too. Check the package for cooking times. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm yet tender. This texture holds up well in the salad. Fresh herbs can elevate your tortellini salad. I love using basil for its sweet, peppery kick. Chop it finely and mix it in before serving. You can also try parsley or oregano for different flavors. Just be careful not to overpower the dish. A little goes a long way! This salad is versatile and can be served in many ways. Try it as a side dish at your next barbecue or picnic. You can also serve it as a light lunch. Pair it with crusty bread and a nice drink. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your salad. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with different types of Italian dressings or even make your own for a personal touch. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top not only adds flavor but also makes the salad visually appealing. {{image_2}} You can boost your tortellini salad with protein. Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salami. These options add flavor and make the dish more filling. For a vegetarian choice, chickpeas work great. They add texture and protein without meat. If you want a plant-based option, consider adding tofu. While Italian dressing is a classic, feel free to switch it up. A balsamic vinaigrette offers a sweet tang. If you like spicy, try a chipotle dressing. For a creamy touch, ranch or Caesar dressing can work well too. Experimenting with different dressings keeps the salad fresh and exciting. Incorporate seasonal ingredients for a fresh twist. In summer, add fresh corn or ripe avocados for creaminess. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash or apples for sweetness. You can also swap vegetables based on what's fresh at the market. This approach not only enhances flavor but also keeps your salad vibrant and colorful. Store your Italian tortellini pasta salad in a clean, airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Place it in the fridge right after it cools down. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours. This helps prevent bad bacteria from growing. Your tortellini salad will stay good in the fridge for about three to five days. If you notice any off smells or colors, it’s best to toss it out. Trust your senses to judge freshness. You can freeze this salad, but some ingredients may change texture. For best results, freeze only the plain tortellini. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last for about three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before mixing it with the fresh veggies and dressing again. Yes, you can use store-bought Italian dressing. It saves time and adds good flavor. Just choose a dressing that you enjoy. Homemade dressing is great too if you have the time. No, this recipe is not gluten-free. The cheese tortellini contains wheat. However, you can find gluten-free tortellini at many stores. Just check the labels to make sure. Yes, you can make this pasta salad in advance. It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge. I suggest making it a few hours ahead or even a day before serving. Just keep it covered. Some great side dishes include garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You could also serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp. These sides complement the tortellini well and make a nice meal. This blog post covered a tasty tortellini pasta salad. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. Adding protein or fresh herbs enhances the taste. You learned about storage and answered common questions. Now you can create a delightful dish that fits any meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share your tasty results!

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

A refreshing and colorful pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and Italian dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 0.5 cup bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup black olives, sliced
  • 0.33 cup Italian dressing
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, and sliced black olives.
  • Add the cooked tortellini to the vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine.
  • Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and sprinkle with chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
  • Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for better flavor.
Keyword Italian, pasta salad, tortellini