Description
Tortellini Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Summer Crowd-Pleaser is a colorful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering, from picnics to potlucks. Bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and hearty tortellini, this salad not only looks appealing but also satisfies the taste buds of both kids and adults. With its easy preparation and make-ahead convenience, you can spend more time enjoying your summer events rather than slaving away in the kitchen. Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins for a personalized touch that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup chopped turkey slices (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red apple vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini in a pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, chopping the cucumber, and slicing the red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with all prepared vegetables, olives, mozzarella balls, turkey (if using), spinach or arugula, and basil.
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic (if desired), oregano, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Chill before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg