Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Tortellini Salad featuring cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette. This chilled pasta salad is perfect as a light lunch or a delightful side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz cheese tortellini
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Cheese
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked tortellini and let it cool to room temperature to prevent it from becoming soggy in the salad.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, diced red onion, chopped fresh basil, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss these ingredients together to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure that every bite is coated with the tangy vinaigrette.
- Chill Before Serving: Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and makes the salad refreshingly cool when served.
Notes
- Use cheese tortellini for creaminess; vegetable or meat varieties can be substituted to customize the salad.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of red wine vinegar and olive oil in the dressing according to your taste preference for acidity and richness.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based alternative and ensure the tortellini is egg-free.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead, making it ideal for parties or meal prep.
