Why Make This Recipe

Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad is a colorful and tasty dish that brings together fresh ingredients in a simple way. It’s a great choice for a light meal, picnic, or barbecue. The combination of cheese tortellini and crunchy vegetables creates a delightful texture, and the Italian dressing adds a zesty flavor. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs.

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 cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, zucchini, and fresh basil.
Drizzle the Italian vinaigrette over the mixture and toss to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Optional: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before serving.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

How to Serve Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad

Serve the salad cold as a side dish, or enjoy it as a light main course. You can also serve it at room temperature if you’re bringing it to a picnic or potluck. This pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats and can be garnished with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.

How to Store Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If you notice the vegetables becoming softer over time, that’s normal, but they may lose some of their fresh crunch.

Tips to Make Italian Tortellini & Veggie Pasta Salad

Make sure the tortellini is completely cooled before mixing it with the veggies to keep everything crisp.
Feel free to add other vegetables you like, such as cucumbers or spinach, for more flavor and nutrition.
If you want a creamier salad, consider mixing in some feta cheese or adding a dollop of sour cream to the dressing.

Variation

To switch things up, try using different pasta shapes like penne or rotini instead of tortellini. You can also experiment with different dressings, such as a balsamic vinaigrette, for a varied taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works great! Just cook it according to the package instructions and cool it before using.

Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Just be sure to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What can I add for extra protein?
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans to this salad for a protein boost! Cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken are excellent choices.