Description
Summer tortellini salad is a vibrant and satisfying pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, mini mozzarella balls, Kalamata olives, and fresh basil, all tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. This colorful salad is perfect for warm-weather meals, picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or a light and refreshing lunch.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls
- 1/3 cup Kalamata or black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to cool the pasta, then drain well.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled tortellini along with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, mini mozzarella balls, sliced olives, red onion, pepperoncini, fresh chopped basil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and for the salad to chill.
- Final Toss and Seasoning: Toss the salad again just before serving, taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best texture and flavor.
- Add grilled chicken, sliced salami, or chickpeas to increase protein and make the salad more filling.
- If preparing the salad ahead of time, reserve a small amount of dressing to refresh the salad before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad, Pasta, Side Dish, Summer Recipes
- Method: Boiling, No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean-Inspired
