Description
A vibrant and flavorful tortellini pasta salad packed with fresh garden vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) package fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3-5 minutes).
- Cool the tortellini: Drain the tortellini and immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the tortellini cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
- Combine the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella pearls, and Kalamata olives.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Fresh, refrigerated tortellini is recommended for the best texture.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables based on preference or availability.
- The salad can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cold Salad
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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