This tortellini pasta salad is a cheerful mix of tender tortellini, colorful veggies, and a zesty dressing. It’s easy to whip up and perfect for picnics or parties!
You can really customize it! I love adding extra cheese and cherry tomatoes to my salad. Plus, it tastes even better the next day—less work for me! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: I recommend using cheese tortellini for its delicious flavor. Fresh tortellini cooks faster, but if you’re short on time, frozen is just as good! Both hold up well in salads.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes and cucumbers add freshness and crunch. If you prefer, swap cherry tomatoes with regular tomatoes diced or use another mild veggie like zucchini. Bell peppers add color, but you can mix in carrots or snap peas as alternatives.
Italian Dressing: Store-bought dressing is easy to use, but homemade is always great! Mix olive oil, vinegar, Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a quick homemade version.
Feta Cheese: Adding crumbled feta gives a lovely tang. If you’re not a fan, try substituting with goat cheese or even a dairy-free option if needed.
How Do You Make Sure Your Tortellini is Perfectly Prepared?
Cooking tortellini correctly is key for your salad’s texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding tortellini.
- Cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes for fresh and about 7-10 for frozen.
- Once done, drain and rinse with cold water immediately. This stops the cooking and cools them down, so they don’t stick together.
By cooling the tortellini, you keep them firm and perfect for your salad!
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then chill for at least 30 minutes. So, in total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve, perfect for a gathering or a nice dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 3 to 5 minutes. After they are cooked, drain them well and rinse with cold water to cool them down. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps them from sticking together.
2. Mix the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. This colorful mix will add plenty of flavor and texture to your salad!
3. Dress It Up:
Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, along with some salt and pepper to taste. Use a large spoon to gently toss everything together until well combined, making sure all the ingredients get a good coat of that tasty dressing.
4. Add Fresh Herbs:
Now add the chopped parsley into the mixing bowl and toss the salad gently again to ensure the parsley is evenly distributed. This will give your salad a lovely fresh flavor!
5. Optional Feta Cheese:
If you love feta cheese, now’s the time to gently fold it into the salad for an added layer of taste. It’s an optional step, but it really elevates the salad!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to mingle and makes for a refreshing dish.
7. Enjoy!
When you’re ready to serve, dish out the pasta salad onto plates and add some lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the salad for a delightful zing! Enjoy your delicious tortellini pasta salad!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly! Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions. After cooking, drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down before adding to the salad.
How Can I Customize My Pasta Salad?
You can easily customize this salad by adding other vegetables such as olives, bell peppers, or spinach. If you prefer a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or diced salami. Just make sure to keep the total volume similar to maintain the balance of flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, but the veggies may lose some crunch. To refresh, add a bit more dressing before serving, if desired.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This tortellini pasta salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Make sure to keep it chilled in the fridge to enhance the flavors and maintain freshness. Just give it a good toss before serving to recombine everything!
