This Tortellini Pasta Salad is colorful and full of flavor! It features tasty cheese-filled tortellini mixed with fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
You won’t believe how easy this salad is to whip up. Perfect for picnics or quick meals, it makes my weeknight dinners so much fun. Plus, it even tastes great the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is essential for that soft texture and flavor. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini; both work great. If you prefer, any other pasta shape like bowtie or fusilli can be a fun substitute.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers add freshness and crunch. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, regular diced tomatoes work too! You can also swap out the bell peppers for carrots or snap peas for a different take.
Olives: Black olives add a briny saltiness that enhances the dish. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them or substitute with green olives or capers for a bit of tang.
Feta Cheese: This cheese gives a creamy texture and a salty flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based feta or omit it entirely. Crumbled goat cheese can also be a tasty alternative.
Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the flavor. If you don’t have it, you can swap it with basil or dill for a different twist. Dried herbs can also work, just use about one-third of the amount needed for fresh.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Tortellini?
Cooking tortellini may seem simple, but getting it just right is key to a great salad. Here’s how to make sure your pasta is cooked perfectly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes for fresh and 6-8 for frozen.
- Once cooked, drain the tortellini and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps it from becoming mushy.
- Lay it out on a baking sheet to cool completely if you’re making a large batch.
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious tortellini pasta salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to have your salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, which usually takes around 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or a bit longer for frozen. Once they are cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to cool them down quickly. This helps prevent them from sticking together.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red and green bell peppers, red onion, and chopped parsley. If you love olives and feta cheese, add those in too for extra flavor!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together!
4. Mix it All Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and give everything a gentle toss. Make sure that all the ingredients are coated well with the dressing to enhance the flavors.
5. Season and Chill:
Take a moment to taste your salad. You can sprinkle in a bit more salt or pepper if you’d like. Then, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time really helps the flavors meld together, making it even tastier!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tortellini pasta salad cold or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own. Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful salad!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, just cook them according to the package instructions until they’re tender. After cooking, drain and rinse under cold water to cool, just like you would with fresh tortellini.
What Can I Substitute for Red Wine Vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Both options will maintain a nice acidity in the dressing. Just keep in mind that apple cider vinegar may add a slightly sweeter flavor, so adjust your seasoning if needed!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
You can store any leftover tortellini pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom. If it looks a bit dry, drizzle in a little olive oil to freshen it up!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. It works great with ingredients like spinach, artichoke hearts, or even avocado. Just remember to chop everything into bite-sized pieces for easy eating!
