Description
This Tortellini Pasta Salad with Chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring cheese tortellini, juicy grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups cooked grilled chicken, diced
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Dressing and Seasoning
- ¾ cup Italian dressing
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, diced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, roasted red peppers, sliced black olives, mozzarella pearls, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
- Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as preferred for seasoning.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the dish to chill.
Notes
- Add spinach or arugula for extra greens and nutrition.
- Use homemade Italian dressing for fresher flavor and control over ingredients.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
