Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad

why make this recipe

Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that packs a punch of flavor and color. It’s perfect for warm days when you want something light yet satisfying. This salad is quick to make, full of fresh ingredients, and can be served as a side or a main dish. Plus, it is a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal, making it both nutritious and delicious.

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
Grated Parmesan for topping (optional)

Directions :

Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine tortellini, cherry tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, red onion, and basil.
Pour in vinaigrette and toss until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

how to serve Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad

You can serve this salad cold as a refreshing side dish or as a main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own. Feel free to add extra toppings like olives or nuts for added texture and flavor.

how to store Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the vegetables may lose some crispness over time, but the flavors will continue to improve as they meld.

tips to make Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad

Make sure to rinse the tortellini with cold water after cooking. This helps to cool it down quickly and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as spinach or cucumbers.
Experiment with different salad dressings if you want to change the flavor profile.

variation

You can easily change this recipe by using different types of pasta or switching the cheese tortellini for meat-filled ones. Adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas can also make it a heartier meal.

FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge and add any fresh herbs right before serving.

What if I don’t have Italian vinaigrette?
You can use any type of vinaigrette or even homemade dressing. A simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper works well too.

Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.