Oh, this What is a tortelliniIs it just a dish? It’s sunshine in a bowl, sand on the grass, and the sound of laughter echoing in the background. in the background. How does Caprese Salad taste? What is a tortellini salad? Think of it as Caprese’s cooler, more laid-back cousin who brought all the pasta to the party. I’ve been making this for years, and honestly, it’s one of those things that just gets better and better. How do I get better each time? What are some of the best ways to make a quick dinner for two, and it’s incredibly easy to throw together. What is a “chef’s kiss”?
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What is Tortellini Salad?
What’s your favorite pasta salad? What is a What’s a cold pasta salad? What are some of the best ways to toss fresh veggies in a bowl? What is peppery Everything gets coated in a light and zesty vinaigrette.tortellini salad recipeIs so easy to make that you can make it in less than 20 minutes?Tortellini SalaIs that it’s incredibly adaptable? What are some of the best ways to eat artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and black olives? What is the perfect thing to bring to a potluck, or enjoy it as an easy summer lunch?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? What I love most about this What is a tortellini is how incredibly flavorful it is. The combination of the cheesy tortellini, the fresh vegetables, and the bright vinaigrette is just *amazing*. And you know what? It’s SO easy to make. I’m talking, like, 20 minutes, start to finish. It’s one of those lifesaver recipes that I can whip up even when I’m exhausted after a long day. And, honestly, it’s pretty budget-friendly too. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive, and you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand. It’s also super versatile! You can serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a main course. I’ve even taken it to parties, and it’s always a huge hit. It’s far easier than many pasta salad recipes that require more work and harder-to-find ingredients.
How do I make Tortellini Salad?
Quick Overview
Making this Tortellini Sala is a breeze! You’ll start by cooking the tortellini until they’re just tender. While the tortellini are cooking, you’ll chop up your veggies. Then, you’ll whisk together a simple vinaigrette. Finally, you’ll toss everything together and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It’s that easy!
Ingredients
What is the Tortellini Salad?
* 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini.
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
* 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
* 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
* 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes.
* 2 cups fresh arugula or spinach (optional)
For the Vinaigrette:
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the top and are tender. Drain the tortellini and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This is important because if you don’t cool them down, they will continue to cook and become mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the tortellini are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve Kalamata olives. What is the best way to chop fresh basil leaves? I always use a sharp knife for the tomatoes – it makes such difference in preventing them from rotting. How do I stop myself from getting
Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried basil and salt. Set aside. What are the ingredients for oregano, salt Make sure to whisk it really well so that the oil and vinegar emulsify and don’t separate. All the ingredients in a jar and shake it vigorously until combined. How do you make a vinaigrette?
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata cheese, and salt. Serve immediately. Olives, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese. If you’re using spinach, add it now. Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Do not over-mix the tortellini, as you don’t want to crush the vegetables. Get every piece coated!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. I find that the salad tastes even better after a couple of hours in the fridge. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Serve cold, and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This tortellini saladIs so versatile that it goes with almost anything!For Lunch:What are some good side dishes to serve with a side of crusty bread?For Dinner:What are some great side dishes to serve with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp?For Parties:What are some good ways to bring this to your next potluck or BBQ? I always make sure to bring a big bowl because it goes fast!For a Picnic: Pack it in a container and take it to the park for a fun and easy picnic lunch.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Tortellini Salad
Here are a few tips that I’ve learned over the years for making the *perfect* tortellini salad:
* Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Make sure to cook the tortellini al dente, or just until they’re tender. Overcooked tortellini will be mushy and not very appealing.
* Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Use ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh basil for the best flavor.
* Make the Vinaigrette Ahead of Time: Making the vinaigrette ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, which will result in a more flavorful salad.
* Chill the Salad Before Serving: Chilling the salad before serving allows the flavors to meld together and also makes it more refreshing.
* Add Protein: If you want to make this salad more substantial, add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
* Customize It: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or herbs to make it your own. Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese are all great additions.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This tortellini salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. The vinaigrette may separate slightly, so give the salad a gentle toss before serving. The texture of the tortellini might change slightly after being stored in the refrigerator, but it will still taste delicious. I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the tortellini will become mushy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Seriously, this tortellini salad recipe is just the best! It’s easy, flavorful, and so versatile. It’s the perfect dish for a summer picnic, a potluck, or a light lunch. I know you’re going to love it! And if you’re looking for more easy pasta salad recipes, be sure to check out my other recipes on the blog. I hope you enjoy this tortellini salad as much as I do! Happy cooking!
Tortellini Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Cheese tortellini
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup Chopped fresh basil
- 0.25 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or chill for later.
