Tortellini Pasta Salad: A Crowd-Pleasing Recipe
This vibrant and flavorful tortellini pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light yet satisfying weeknight meal. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with different cheeses, vegetables, and dressings. This recipe focuses on a classic combination, but feel free to experiment and make it your own!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 pound cheese tortellini: You can use either refrigerated or frozen; just be sure to cook it according to package directions. Feel free to experiment with different fillings like meat or spinach and ricotta!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds a burst of juicy sweetness.
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced: Provides a salty and briny counterpoint.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a sharp bite that balances the richness of the cheese.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: A classic pairing with tortellini. Provolone or Parmesan also work beautifully.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous note. Other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can be substituted.
The Perfect Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Provides a tangy balance to the creamy cheese.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that complements the other flavors.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste. Adjust to your preference.
Instructions for Tortellini Pasta Salad Success:
- Cook the tortellini: Follow the package directions for cooking your tortellini. Once cooked, drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the tortellini is cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, and chop the basil. If using frozen olives, make sure they are thawed.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
- Dress it up: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste! Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Tortellini Pasta Salad:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, salami, or ham would be delicious additions.
- Get creative with veggies: Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes would add extra flavor and texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it ahead: This salad is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop.
This tortellini pasta salad recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress. With its customizable nature and delicious flavor profile, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!
