Tortellini Salad Italian Dressing (Print)
Tender cheese tortellini tossed with crisp vegetables, mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing for a satisfying meal.
# Ingredient list:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz fresh cheese tortellini
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
04 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
→ Cheese & Herbs
07 - 1/3 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, torn
→ Dressing
10 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 clove garlic, minced
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Directions:
01 - Prepare tortellini according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool pasta. Set aside.
02 - In a large serving bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, halved mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
03 - Add cooled tortellini to the vegetable mixture and toss gently to distribute evenly.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
05 - Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
06 - Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over top and toss lightly once more. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to develop.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all day prepping
- The flavors actually improve as it sits, making it perfect for make-ahead meals
02 -
- Rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water or it will continue cooking and become mushy
- Add the dressing just before serving, otherwise the pasta will absorb all the liquid
03 -
- Cut all your vegetables while the pasta water comes to a boil to save precious minutes
- If making ahead, reserve a quarter of the dressing to refresh the salad right before serving