Tortellini Pasta Salad – A Fresh, Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion

This Tortellini Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for any gathering or weeknight dinner. With cheesy tortellini, colorful veggies, and a tangy Italian dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines savory, fresh, and tangy flavors in every bite. The addition of ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and mozzarella balls gives the salad a fresh, vibrant feel, while the salami and Parmesan cheese bring a rich, hearty flavor. Best served chilled, it’s great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep. You can also customize it by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 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 salami or pepperoni
  
  

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
  

• 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
  
  

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  
  

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  
  

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  
  

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  
  

• 1 teaspoon honey
  
  

• 1 clove garlic, minced
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  
  

• Salt and pepper to taste
  
  

Directions:

1. Cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then transfer to a large bowl.
   
   

2. While the tortellini is cooking, make the dressing. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shake well until emulsified.
   
   

3. Pour half of the dressing over the warm tortellini and toss gently to coat. Let the tortellini cool for about 10 minutes.
   
   

4. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, mozzarella, salami, Parmesan, spinach, and basil to the bowl with the tortellini.
   
   

5. Pour the remaining dressing over the top and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
   
   

6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Toss again before serving. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
   
   

7. Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 400 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 35g
  
  

• Protein: 15g
  
  

• Fat: 24g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 6g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 20mg
  
  

• Sodium: 510mg
  
  

• Potassium: 300mg
  
  

• Fiber: 3g
  
  

• Sugar: 7g