This Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad combines yummy cheese-filled tortellini with fresh veggies for a lovely dish. It’s quick to make and perfect for any meal or gathering!
You can toss in your favorite dressing and watch everyone go for seconds. I often make it the night before—it’s even better the next day! Who doesn’t love a tasty meal that’s easy to prepare? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is perfect for this salad, giving it a creamy bite. If you’re avoiding cheese, you can use spinach or mushroom tortellini instead. If tortellini isn’t available, any small pasta works great too!
Bell Peppers: Fresh red and green bell peppers add color and crunch. If you prefer, try yellow or orange peppers for sweetness or substitute with chopped carrots for a different texture.
Cucumber: Cucumber brings freshness. For a twist, use cherry tomatoes or add radishes for a little bite. If you want a crunch but don’t have cucumbers, celery could work too.
Chives: Fresh chives give a mild onion flavor. If you can’t find them, green onions or even a pinch of onion powder can do the trick!
Pepperoncini: These tangy peppers add zest. If you like mild flavors, leave them out or switch to sweet pickles to reduce the heat.
How Do You Properly Cook Pasta for Salad?
Getting the pasta just right is crucial for a great salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a big pot with plenty of salted water—the pasta needs space to cook evenly.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually until al dente, so it’s firm and not mushy.
- As soon as it’s cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. This cools it down and helps it stay firm in the salad.
Taking these simple steps will ensure your tortellini is perfectly cooked and ready to soak up all that delicious dressing!
Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then requires at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to chill and let those flavors come together. So, in total, plan for about 45 minutes to enjoy this fresh and tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is bubbling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once they are ready, drain them, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps cool them down quickly so they’re ready for the salad. Set the tortellini aside.
2. Combine the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked tortellini along with the chopped red and green bell peppers, cucumber, finely diced red onion, sliced pepperoncini, and freshly chopped chives. It’s colorful and looks delicious already!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until everything is well mixed and you see a lovely emulsion forming. This dressing is going to add a zesty flavor to your salad!
4. Toss Everything Together:
Pour the dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are well-coated in the dressing. You want all that goodness to blend perfectly!
5. Chill and Serve:
Now, taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper, if you like. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Once chilled, serve the pasta salad cold or at room temperature. It’s a perfect dish for picnics, barbecues, or just a delicious dinner at home. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, there’s no need to thaw them. Simply cook them according to the package instructions, and they will taste just as great in the salad!
How Long Does This Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as some ingredients may settle.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to get creative. Consider adding cherry tomatoes, olives, or even diced avocado for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of how the additional ingredients may affect the overall taste.
What’s the Best Dressing for this Salad?
The lemon-infused olive oil dressing in the recipe is a fantastic choice! If you want to switch it up, a balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, like ranch or Italian, would work beautifully as well.
