This Easy Cheesy Tortellini Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty dish! It combines soft cheese-filled tortellini with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics or a quick meal!
I love making this salad because it’s super easy! Just cook the tortellini, toss everything together, and you’re ready to serve. Plus, it tastes amazing the next day too! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is perfect for this recipe, but you can use spinach or meat tortellini instead for variety. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try gluten-free tortellini or any small pasta like rotini.
Veggies: The mix of cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion adds color and crunch. Feel free to switch them up! You can use cherry tomatoes, carrots, or zucchini if you prefer. Just keep the veggies in bite-sized pieces.
Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: These create a simple dressing. If you want a creamier texture, consider replacing some olive oil with Greek yogurt or sour cream. For a different flavor, balsamic vinegar works well too!
Dried Herbs: Oregano and basil are common here, but you can experiment with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like parsley for a brighter taste. Fresh herbs bring a wonderful pop of flavor!
How Can I Make Sure My Tortellini is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking tortellini al dente is key for the best texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the tortellini and stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Check the cooking time on the package, usually around 3-5 minutes.
- Test a piece to ensure it’s firm but tender—this is al dente!
- Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool them down.
Perfectly cooked tortellini is the foundation of a delicious salad!
Easy Cheesy Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (or green onions)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time to cook the tortellini and chop the veggies, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In just under an hour, you’ll have a colorful and delicious salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once done, drain the tortellini and rinse them under cold water to cool them quickly and stop the cooking process. Set them aside in a bowl.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
While the tortellini is cooking, chop the cucumber, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Slice the pepperoncini and chop the fresh chives (or green onions). Gather all your veggies in a large mixing bowl.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, and dried basil. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well until everything is combined.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the tortellini and the chopped veggies in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together with a spatula or spoon until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and makes the salad even tastier!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now it’s ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for picnics, barbeques, or as a quick meal at home. Enjoy your fresh, tangy, and cheesy tortellini pasta salad!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Tortellini Pasta Salad
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just follow the package instructions for cooking time, as frozen tortellini may take a couple of extra minutes to become tender. Make sure to drain and rinse them as directed to keep them fresh!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Cherry tomatoes, black olives, or even shredded carrots would be delicious additions. Just make sure they’re chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy eating!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you prefer a different flavor, try using avocado oil or a flavored oil like garlic-infused olive oil. You can also use a vinaigrette for added zest!
