This Tortellini Salad is a bright and colorful dish that combines the creamy, cheesy bites of tortellini with the fresh, crisp flavors of summer vegetables. The zesty Italian dressing adds the perfect touch of tang, while the Parmesan cheese elevates the entire salad to another level.
Not only is this salad full of fresh ingredients, but it’s also versatile. You can customize it with any of your favorite summer vegetables and adjust the flavors based on what you have on hand. Whether served as a side or a main dish, this salad is perfect for any warm-weather gathering or meal prep.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb cheese tortellini
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1 summer squash
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1 zucchini
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 pint cherry tomatoes
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1/2 red onion
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1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
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2 cups fresh baby spinach
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1/2 cup sliced black olives
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3/4 cup Italian dressing
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain well and cool in the fridge.
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Slice the summer squash and zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds, then quarter them. Add them to a large bowl with 1/2 tsp salt and mix.
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Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and soak the sliced red onion in cold water for a few minutes.
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Chop the parsley and baby spinach if needed.
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Once the tortellini has cooled, add it to a large bowl and top with the zucchini, squash, cherry tomatoes, red onion, spinach, and black olives.
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Drizzle with 1/2 cup of Italian dressing, top with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese, and drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup of dressing.
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Mix and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 186 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
What makes tortellini salad so appealing is its adaptability. It can be served as a side dish or a main course, and its flavor profile can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh to complement a barbecue or a dish that can stand alone for a satisfying lunch, tortellini salad delivers. This salad is also an excellent option for meal prepping, as it holds up well in the fridge for several days, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
For a family dinner, this salad can easily be made in larger quantities to feed a crowd. It’s the kind of dish that looks beautiful on a buffet table, with its vibrant colors and delicious combination of ingredients. The combination of creamy tortellini and crunchy vegetables offers a satisfying mouthfeel, making each bite a delightful experience. If you’re hosting a gathering, tortellini salad is sure to be a hit and can even be made ahead of time to save you time on the day of the event.
Customizing Your Tortellini Salad
One of the best things about tortellini salad is how customizable it is. While the base ingredients of cheese tortellini, vegetables, and a dressing are essential, you can tweak the salad to suit your preferences and dietary needs. If you’re not a fan of certain vegetables or if you have specific dietary restrictions, this salad is easy to adapt.
For instance, if you don’t like zucchini, you can swap it out for cucumbers or carrots. If you prefer to skip the tomatoes, red bell peppers can provide a sweet crunch. Want to make it more protein-packed? Simply add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a scoop of chickpeas. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that you can use whatever fresh ingredients are in season to make the salad truly your own.
You can also experiment with different types of tortellini. While cheese tortellini is a classic choice, there are many variations available, including spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled tortellini. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can swap out the tortellini for another type of pasta, such as penne or farfalle, to create a pasta salad instead. The dressing can also be customized to your liking, whether you prefer a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy option. A homemade Italian dressing can enhance the flavors, but a store-bought version works just as well in a pinch.
Why You Should Make Tortellini Salad Ahead of Time
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy days or when you’re hosting an event. The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or preparing in advance for a party. As it sits, the flavors have time to meld, allowing the dressing to fully coat the tortellini and vegetables, making every bite even more flavorful.
Preparing tortellini salad ahead of time also means that you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your company. Simply cook the tortellini, chop the vegetables, and toss everything together with the dressing when you’re ready to serve. If you’re hosting a picnic or BBQ, this is the perfect make-ahead dish that travels well and can be served cold.
Serving Suggestions for Tortellini Salad
Tortellini salad is a fantastic standalone dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of other meals. For a Mediterranean-inspired spread, serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or seafood. The bright, fresh flavors of the salad complement grilled meats and seafood, adding a refreshing contrast to the smoky, savory notes.
For a more casual meal, pair tortellini salad with some homemade focaccia bread or a light soup. The salad’s cool, crisp ingredients pair wonderfully with warm, comforting dishes, balancing the textures and flavors. It’s also a great addition to a picnic spread, offering a refreshing and satisfying option among other classic outdoor eats like grilled burgers, hot dogs, and roasted vegetables.
If you’re planning a backyard barbecue, tortellini salad can serve as a refreshing alternative to traditional pasta salads, providing a unique twist that your guests will love. Add some extra toppings like crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil, or toasted pine nuts to elevate the dish and add an extra layer of flavor.
Storage Tips for Tortellini Salad
When storing tortellini salad, make sure to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will ensure that the ingredients stay fresh for up to three days. If you plan to keep it for longer, it’s best to store the dressing separately and only add it just before serving. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy and allow the vegetables to maintain their crunch.
Tortellini salad is perfect for meal prepping because it holds up well in the fridge and is easy to grab as a quick lunch or dinner option. If you’re planning to make it in bulk, simply double or triple the recipe to suit your needs. You can also prepare the ingredients separately and assemble them later to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
Tortellini salad is the ultimate go-to recipe for busy days, outdoor events, and everything in between. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and deliciously fresh flavors make it a favorite among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a picnic, or a gathering with friends, this salad will surely impress.
With endless customization options and the ability to make it ahead of time, tortellini salad is the kind of dish that will save you time and stress while still delivering big on flavor. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy, flavorful, and versatile, look no further than this tortellini salad.