Salad
Italian Tortellini Salad
On December 24, 2023 by userItalian Tortellini Salad is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines cheese-filled tortellini with fresh vegetables and a zesty Italian dressing. Here’s a simple recipe for making Italian Tortellini Salad:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb (16 oz) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Italian Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook Tortellini:
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. If using fresh tortellini, it usually takes about 3-5 minutes, while frozen tortellini may take 7-9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh basil.
- Add Tortellini:
- Add the cooked and cooled tortellini to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Make Italian Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Toss Salad:
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until well coated in the dressing.
- Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss again to combine. The cheese adds a savory and salty kick to the salad.
- Chill (Optional):
- For enhanced flavors, refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the dressing to marinate the ingredients.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve the Italian Tortellini Salad as a refreshing and satisfying dish on its own or as a side to grilled meats or seafood.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Italian-inspired tortellini salad!
This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a quick and delicious meal. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.