Name: Tortellini Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Delight
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 20 oz. tortellini (frozen or refrigerated); 8 oz. mozzarella pearls (about 1 ½ cups); ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 7 oz. sundried tomatoes (drained, chopped, & patted dry); 2 cups baby spinach; 2 cups diced bell pepper (red and green); 1 cup chopped salami (can substitute pepperoni); ½ cup finely diced red onion; ¾ cup Kalamata olives; ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Tortellini Pasta Salad with a delightful blend of fresh ingredients is the ideal dish for those warm summer days. This vibrant salad combines tender tortellini, fresh mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, baby spinach, colorful bell peppers, salami, and Kalamata olives. All of these ingredients are tossed together in a tangy balsamic honey vinaigrette that elevates the flavors to new heights. As a perfect side dish or light meal, this pasta salad is not only refreshing but also incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, picnics, and potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Pasta Salad with

This Tortellini Pasta Salad with is a culinary delight packed with flavorful ingredients. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:

It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, making it a nutritious option.
This easy tortellini pasta salad can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy days.
The tangy balsamic vinaigrette adds a unique flavor profile that complements the tortellini perfectly.
It can be served as a side dish or a light main course, versatile for any meal.
Great for meal prep, it stores well in the fridge and is perfect for lunches.
This Italian tortellini salad is a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for parties.

Ingredients for Tortellini Pasta Salad with

Gather these items:

20 oz. tortellini (frozen or refrigerated)
8 oz. mozzarella pearls (about 1 ½ cups)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
7 oz. sundried tomatoes (drained, chopped, & patted dry)
2 cups baby spinach
2 cups diced bell pepper (red and green)
1 cup chopped salami (can substitute pepperoni)
½ cup finely diced red onion
¾ cup Kalamata olives
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad with Step-by-Step

Step 1: Combine all dressing ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper—in a mini food processor or a jar with a lid. Blend or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified. Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
Step 2: Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions, making sure not to overcook them to maintain their texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Add half a cup of the prepared dressing to the warm tortellini. Using a silicone spatula, gently mix to coat the pasta evenly. Allow the pasta to cool for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors before adding the remaining ingredients.
Step 4: Add mozzarella pearls, sundried tomatoes, baby spinach, diced bell peppers, chopped salami, red onion, Kalamata olives, and grated Parmesan cheese to the cooled tortellini. Pour up to an additional half cup of dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything until well combined.
Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for 2-3 hours to let all the flavors marry. Before serving, drizzle with any remaining dressing if desired for extra tang and moisture.

Pro Tips for the Best Tortellini Pasta Salad with

Keep these in mind:

Perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Can be served as a side dish or light meal.
Try adding chopped arugula for an extra peppery flavor.
For a creamy tortellini pasta salad, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

Best Ways to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad with

This Tortellini Pasta Salad with can be served in several delightful ways:

Serve it chilled as a refreshing side dish during summer barbecues.
Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal.
Consider adding some crusty bread to soak up the delicious vinaigrette.

How to Store and Reheat Tortellini Pasta Salad with

For best results, refrigerate the salad for 2-3 hours as mentioned in the instructions. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When meal prepping, store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. This pasta salad can be enjoyed cold, so no need for reheating!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tortellini Pasta Salad with

What is tortellini pasta salad?

Tortellini pasta salad with is a refreshing dish made with tortellini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a delicious dressing. It’s a perfect choice for a light meal or side dish.

Can I make tortellini pasta salad with ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare your Tortellini Pasta Salad with a few hours in advance or even the day before. This allows the flavors to develop further.

How do I avoid common mistakes with tortellini pasta salad with?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the tortellini and let the salad chill adequately before serving. This enhances the flavor and texture.

Variations of Tortellini Pasta Salad with You Can Try

Feel free to get creative with your Tortellini Pasta Salad with. Here are some variations:

For a vegetarian option, use more vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
Add olives and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Incorporate a pesto dressing instead of balsamic for a different flavor profile.

For more delicious salad ideas, check out Broccoli Pasta Salad or Spaghetti Pasta Salad Recipe. You can also learn about the health benefits of vegetable salads for a nutritious diet.

Tortellini Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Delight

Author: basmer
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This vibrant Tortellini Pasta Salad combines tender tortellini with fresh mozzarella, sundried tomatoes, baby spinach, colorful bell peppers, salami, and Kalamata olives, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet balsamic vinaigrette.

Instructions

Combine all dressing ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper—in a mini food processor or a jar with a lid. Blend or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified. Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions, making sure not to overcook them to maintain their texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Add half a cup of the prepared dressing to the warm tortellini. Using a silicone spatula, gently mix to coat the pasta evenly. Allow the pasta to cool for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors before adding the remaining ingredients.
Add mozzarella pearls, sundried tomatoes, baby spinach, diced bell peppers, chopped salami, red onion, Kalamata olives, and grated Parmesan cheese to the cooled tortellini. Pour up to an additional half cup of dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything until well combined.
Refrigerate the salad for 2-3 hours to let all the flavors marry. Before serving, drizzle with any remaining dressing if desired for extra tang and moisture.