Oh my goodness, you’re going to love this Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini! It’s one of those dishes that screams summer with its refreshing flavors and vibrant colors. The moment you take a bite, you get that delightful mix of creamy tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers dancing on your taste buds. Trust me, it’s like a little party in your mouth! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a quick weeknight dinner. I often make a big batch and let it chill in the fridge; it gets even better as the flavors meld together. Seriously, this salad is a game changer, and it’s vegetarian-friendly too! You’re definitely going to want to add this to your recipe collection.
Ingredients List
- 12 oz cheese tortellini – The star of the show! Look for fresh or frozen varieties for the best texture.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – These little gems add a burst of sweetness and color.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced – Crunchy and refreshing, they bring a nice contrast to the pasta.
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced – They add a briny flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced – A bit of sharpness to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped – This brings a fragrant herbal note that elevates the whole dish.
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing – You can use store-bought or homemade; it ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Just a little seasoning to enhance everything.
How to Prepare the Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Cheese Tortellini
Getting this Italian pasta salad ready is a breeze! First off, let’s cook the tortellini. Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil—trust me, this makes a difference. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the 12 oz cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes. You want them al dente, so they hold their shape in the salad. After they’re cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and cool them down. This really helps keep that delightful texture!
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini, followed by the 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup sliced black olives, 1/2 cup diced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything up. The colors are just so inviting, aren’t they? Then, drizzle 1/2 cup Italian dressing over the top and toss again until everything is well coated. It’s like a flavor hug for the tortellini and veggies!
Seasoning and Chilling
Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Just a little pinch of salt can really elevate the flavors! Once seasoned, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all those vibrant flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it! When you’re ready to serve, it’s like a refreshing celebration in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Cheese Tortellini
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This salad comes together in no time! With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious dish ready to go.
- Vibrant Flavors: The combination of creamy tortellini, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing creates a flavor explosion that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Versatile Dish: Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a picnic, or as a quick dinner, this salad fits the bill perfectly. You can even add grilled chicken for extra protein!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, letting the flavors develop even more. It’s perfect for busy days!
- Vegetarian Delight: This salad is a fantastic vegetarian option, making it a great choice for everyone at the table.
- Colorful Presentation: The beautiful colors of the ingredients make this salad not just tasty, but visually appealing too. It’s sure to impress your guests!
Tips for Success
Oh, I’ve got some golden nuggets to share that’ll make your Italian pasta salad with cheese tortellini absolutely fabulous! First off, always opt for high-quality tortellini—fresh or frozen—because it really makes a difference in texture and flavor. If you can, find tortellini made with real cheese; it adds that creamy richness that’s so satisfying.
Next, don’t rush the chilling process! Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes is key to letting those flavors blend beautifully. If you can wait a few hours or even overnight, do it! It’s like giving your salad a little spa day.
If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for some protein—yum! You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or even some artichoke hearts for an extra kick. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of feta cheese on top adds a tangy touch that pairs wonderfully with the Italian dressing. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your salad to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delightful Italian pasta salad with cheese tortellini! While these values can vary based on the exact ingredients you use, here’s an estimate to help you out:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
Keep in mind, these numbers are just estimates, and it’s always a good idea to check specific brands or ingredients you use for more accurate calculations. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying salad, knowing it’s not just delicious but also packed with good-for-you ingredients!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making this Italian pasta salad with cheese tortellini a day in advance is a fantastic idea. It gives the flavors more time to meld together, making it even tastier. Just prepare it as directed, cover it well, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick toss and enjoy!
What else can I add to this salad?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for some protein, which makes it even heartier. If you want to switch up the veggies, try adding diced bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even some roasted zucchini. You could also toss in some mozzarella balls for an extra cheesy bite. Feel free to get creative—this salad is super versatile!
How should I store leftovers?
To store any leftover Italian pasta salad, simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just remember, as it sits, the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a splash of Italian dressing before serving to perk it back up. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Italian pasta salad with cheese tortellini is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just keep in mind that the pasta might soak up some of the dressing as it sits, so it’s a good idea to give it a quick stir and maybe add a splash of Italian dressing before serving to bring back that lovely flavor.
Now, reheating isn’t really necessary since this salad is best enjoyed cold. However, if you prefer it a little warmer, you can gently heat up individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, as that could make the tortellini mushy. But honestly, I think it’s at its best served chilled—perfect for those hot summer days! Enjoy every bite!
Print
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Cheese Tortellini Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Italian pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, and basil.
- Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve cold for best flavor.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini
