Description
This tortellini salad is a perfect harmony of tender, cheese-filled pasta, crisp fresh vegetables, and a tangy Italian-inspired dressing. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and perfect for picnics, lunches, or light dinners. With fresh basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, every bite bursts with flavor and texture. Ideal for make-ahead meals, this salad keeps well refrigerated and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a pasta lover or looking for a refreshing twist on a salad, this recipe is a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls or cubed mozzarella
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: toasted pine nuts or walnuts
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While pasta cooks, chop vegetables and herbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Garnish with toasted nuts and extra basil if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toss tortellini with dressing while still slightly warm.
- Keep dressing separate if making ahead to avoid sogginess.
- Experiment with adding olives, bell peppers, or artichokes for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and tossing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg