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Fresh & Light Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad

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Looking for a pasta salad that stands out at your next summer potluck or backyard BBQ? This Fresh Tortellini Pasta Salad with Tomato-Infused Italian Dressing is a flavorful and colorful side dish that always gets rave reviews. Made with cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables like zucchini, carrots, peppers, and cherry tomatoes, plus savory kalamata olives, this salad is as vibrant as it is delicious.

What makes it extra special? The homemade Italian dressing blended with stewed tomatoes adds a tangy, slightly sweet depth that’s unlike anything in a bottle. It’s light, fresh, and perfect served cold—ideal for summer gatherings, meal prep lunches, or a refreshing weeknight dinner side. Vegetarian-friendly, easily customizable, and guaranteed to leave you with an empty bowl every time!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pasta Salad:

1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled

1 cup kalamata olives, halved

1 cup carrots, sliced and par-cooked (blanched 2-3 min)

1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

1 cup zucchini, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Optional add-ins:

1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta

For the Tomato-Infused Italian Dressing:

1 (14 oz) can stewed tomatoes, drained (reserve 2–3 tbsp of juice)

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp Dijon mustard (helps emulsify)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 tsp sugar or honey (balances acidity)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Dressing:

    • In a blender or food processor, combine the drained stewed tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, reserved tomato juice, herbs, and seasonings.

    • Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill while assembling the salad to let the flavors meld.

  2. Assemble the Salad:

    • Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let cool completely.

    • In a large bowl, combine tortellini, olives, carrots, bell peppers, onion, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and any optional add-ins.

    • Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

  3. Chill & Serve:

    • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.

    • Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese before serving if desired.

Notes

1. Ingredient Variations:

  • Cheese Tortellini: While cheese tortellini is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other tortellini flavors, like spinach, mushroom, or even pesto.
  • Vegetables: Add or swap out veggies based on what’s in season. Try adding cucumbers, roasted red peppers, or even fresh asparagus.
  • Protein Add-ins: For a more filling dish, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even pepperoni for a more Mediterranean feel.
  • Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta, mozzarella pearls, or goat cheese for different textures and flavors.

2. Make It Gluten-Free:

  • For those with gluten sensitivities, you can easily make this salad gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini and checking the other ingredients (like the dressing) to ensure they are gluten-free.

3. Vegan Option:

  • To make this salad vegan-friendly, simply substitute the cheese tortellini for a plant-based option, or try a combo of chickpeas, olives, and roasted vegetables for protein and texture.

4. Meal Prep Tip:

  • This pasta salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great option for meal prepping—just keep the dressing separate and toss everything together before serving to keep it fresh.

5. Perfect for Potlucks & BBQs:

  • This salad is always a crowd-pleaser, making it a great addition to any summer potluck, family gathering, or BBQ. It can easily be scaled up for larger groups.

6. Dressing Tip:

  • If you have extra dressing left over, it can be used as a marinade for grilled vegetables or chicken. It also works wonderfully as a dip for bread or crackers.

7. Flavor Boosting Tip:

  • For an extra punch of flavor, add a spoonful of pesto or sun-dried tomato paste to the dressing for added richness. If you love a bit of tang, a splash of balsamic vinegar in the dressing will do wonders.

8. How to Serve:

  • Serve this pasta salad chilled for the best flavor. If you’re making it ahead, allow it to sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

FAQ Section:

  1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

    • Yes! This pasta salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid soggy pasta.

  2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

    • Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the tortellini with another short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle.

  3. How long will the salad keep in the fridge?

    • The salad will last up to 3 days in the fridge. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Pair with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp for a complete meal.
  • Serve alongside fresh crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine for a perfect summer meal.

💙 Love fresh, easy recipes? Save this tortellini pasta salad for your next potluck and watch the compliments roll in! Pin it, print it, or share it with a friend who needs a go-to summer side!

☀️ Summer Food Safety Tip for Vinaigrette Tortellini Salad:

Don’t Let the Dressing Fool You!
Even though this salad uses a vinaigrette-style dressing, it still contains perishable ingredients like tortellini, olives, and fresh veggies. Always keep it refrigerated until ready to serve and avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if temps exceed 90°F).

Smart Hosting Tip: Pack the salad in a chilled container or nestle the serving bowl inside a larger one filled with ice to maintain a safe temperature outdoors. 🧊🍴

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://joyistalife.com/recipe/fresh-light-cheese-tortellini-pasta-salad/