Description
A delightful Italian tortellini pasta salad packed with fresh ingredients, zesty dressing, and colorful vegetables—perfect for any gathering or picnic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup salami, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process; set aside in a large bowl.
- Combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, black olives, mini mozzarella balls, red onion, salami, green bell pepper, and zucchini in the bowl.
- Gently toss until well combined.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad, add salt and pepper to taste, and toss until coated.
- Fold in the fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese until distributed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Before serving, toss the salad again and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad is best enjoyed when prepared in advance to allow flavors to meld together. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor significantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Refrigerating
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg