There’s something so refreshing about summer salads, isn’t there? They’re like a burst of sunshine on a plate! My *Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini* is a vibrant mix of flavors that just screams fun and freshness. I remember making this dish for our family picnic last year, and it was a hit! The tender cheese tortellini paired with crisp veggies and zesty Italian dressing makes every bite feel like a celebration. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Cheese Tortellini
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen, cooked according to package instructions)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (these add a lovely pop of sweetness)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (for that refreshing crunch)
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (I love the briny flavor they bring)
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (any color works, but red or yellow are extra sweet!)
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced (this adds a nice bite, but feel free to use less if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade, whichever you fancy!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (because who can resist that cheesy goodness?)
How to Prepare Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Cheese Tortellini
Preparing this delightful salad is a breeze! Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions—usually, it takes about 8 to 10 minutes until they’re perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain them well and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking together. Trust me, this little step makes all the difference!
In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with the chopped cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced olives, bell pepper, and red onion. Pour in the Italian dressing and toss everything together until it’s beautifully coated. My favorite part? Don’t forget to sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving! To let those flavors mingle, chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you can wait that long—it’s worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the tortellini and rinse them under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, bell pepper, and red onion.
- Pour in the Italian dressing and toss everything until well combined.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Vibrant, fresh flavors that scream summer.
- Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Chilled and refreshing, making it a go-to side dish.
Tips for Success
To get the most out of your *Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini*, here are some of my favorite tips! First, definitely chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully. If you want to get creative, feel free to add other ingredients like diced pepperoni, grilled chicken, or even some roasted veggies for an extra flavor boost. And don’t skimp on the Italian dressing—it’s key! You can also switch up the cheeses; feta or mozzarella work wonderfully in this salad. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline. Generally, each serving of my *Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini* has about 320 calories, 15g of fat, 10g of protein, and 38g of carbohydrates. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t stress too much about the numbers!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my *Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini*? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! It actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What can I substitute for the cheese tortellini? If you can’t find tortellini, any other pasta shape works, like rotini or penne. Just cook it al dente!
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember that the veggies might get a bit softer over time.
Can I add protein to this salad? Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great additions for a heartier meal.
What if I don’t like olives? No worries! You can simply leave them out or substitute with artichoke hearts or diced avocado for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
My *Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini* is so versatile! It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken for a complete meal, or you can serve it alongside juicy burgers at your next cookout. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a slice of garlic bread or a fresh baguette is perfect for scooping up all that delicious salad. You can even add a side of crisp romaine lettuce topped with a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing touch. Enjoy your feast!
Z nadrukami
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Cheese Tortellini Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A refreshing Italian pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini and fresh vegetables.
Składniki
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instrukcje
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell pepper, and onion.
- Add the Italian dressing and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Uwagi
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins as desired.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: Mixing
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 320
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 38g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Słowa kluczowe: italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini
