Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad
Why Make This Recipe
Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad is a colorful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, a barbecue, or just want a light meal, this salad fits the bill. It combines hearty tortellini with a variety of fresh vegetables, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. The Italian vinaigrette adds a zesty flavor that brings everything together. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy days.
How to Make Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small zucchini, quartered and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian vinaigrette
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan for topping
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini.
- Add the chopped basil leaves, Italian vinaigrette, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss gently to combine all the ingredients well.
- If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
How to Serve Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is great on its own or as a side dish. Serve it chilled or at room temperature. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Garnishing with a bit of grated Parmesan on top will enhance the flavors even more.
How to Store Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad can be kept for up to 3 days. If you notice any excess liquid after a day, simply toss it lightly before serving again.
Tips to Make Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad
- Make sure the tortellini is cooled before mixing it with the vegetables to keep everything fresh.
- You can customize the salad by adding other veggies like cucumbers or olives, or even switching out the vinaigrette for a different dressing.
- If you enjoy a little kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced black olives.
Variation
If you want to make this salad even heartier, you can add diced grilled chicken or chickpeas. You could also switch up the cheese tortellini for spinach or mushroom varieties to add different flavors.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, this salad can be made a few hours in advance or even the day before. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Q: What other vegetables can I add to the salad?
A: Feel free to get creative! Cucumbers, carrots, or even artichokes make great additions.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortellini. Check the dressing and other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled Make sure the tortellini is cooled before mixing.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small zucchini, quartered and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian vinaigrette
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan for topping Enhances flavor if added before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini.
- Add the chopped basil leaves, Italian vinaigrette, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss gently to combine all the ingredients well.
- If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
