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Tortellini Pasta Salad

A delicious and versatile Tortellini Pasta Salad made with cheese-filled tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a tangy Italian dressing, perfect as a side or main dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 package cheese tortellini, cooked according to package instructions Usually 9 to 12 ounces
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes Tomatoes should be sliced through the equator
  • 1 cup diced cucumber Peel if skin feels thick or waxy
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion Keep pieces small to avoid overpowering the salad
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives Pre-sliced olives from a can work well
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing Use a quality store-bought dressing
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste Start conservatively
  • Fresh basil leaves, optional, for garnish Add just before serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While the tortellini cools, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and red onion, and slice the black olives.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and sliced olives.
  2. Pour Italian dressing over the mixture and gently toss to combine.
  3. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Marinating
  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serving
  1. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
  2. Serve cold as a side dish or main course.

Notes

This salad improves with marination; making it a day ahead is recommended. Keep basil and seasoning adjustments until just before serving.