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Fresh Creamy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

fresh creamy italian tortellini pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy Italian tortellini pasta salad perfect for summer, featuring refrigerated cheese tortellini, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: shredded mozzarella, pepperoncini slices, toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 3-4 minutes for al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Let it drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, and halve 1/2 cup Kalamata olives. Chop 1/4 cup fresh basil and 2 tbsp fresh parsley. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp dried oregano, and salt and black pepper to taste until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, chopped veggies, and herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep the tortellini intact.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally an hour, to allow flavors to meld and the salad to cool.
  6. Before serving, gently stir the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add optional extras like shredded mozzarella or pepperoncini slices if desired.

Notes

Rinse tortellini under cold water after draining to prevent sticking and keep texture perfect. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes deepens flavor and helps herbs release aroma. Adjust seasoning before and after chilling. Avoid overcooking tortellini to maintain al dente texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, cheese tortellini salad

Find it online: https://larameals.com/fresh-creamy-italian-tortellini-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-best-for-summer/