Description
Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that captures the essence of Italy in every bite. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad combines cheesy tortellini with fresh vegetables and is tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly—allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. With just 25 minutes of preparation, you can enjoy this versatile dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next meal!
Ingredients
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cucumber (peeled, sliced, and quartered)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 6 oz black olives (drained and halved)
- 1 orange bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (quartered)
- 8 oz chopped turkey slices
- Homemade Italian dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Italian dressing as per your recipe and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the cheese tortellini in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cool water.
- In a large bowl, combine the tortellini with half of the prepared dressing.
- Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, bell pepper, pepperoncini, mozzarella balls, and turkey slices to the bowl.
- If serving soon, toss everything with your desired amount of remaining dressing. For later serving, cover and refrigerate without dressing until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Experiment with different veggies like spinach or artichokes for added flavor. For extra protein options, substitute turkey slices with grilled chicken or beef. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving enhances flavor.