Description
Tortellini pasta salad brings Italian-inspired flavors to summer gatherings with creamy cheese-filled pasta and crisp vegetables. Fresh herbs and zesty dressing make this dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Dressing Base:
- ¼ cup (59 ml) vinegar
- ½ cup (118 ml) olive oil
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook fresh or frozen tortellini for 7-9 minutes until perfectly tender, ensuring they float to the surface and maintain a slight firmness.
- Immediately transfer cooked tortellini to a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water (4-5 seconds) to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled tortellini with finely chopped vegetables, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Create a vibrant emulsified dressing by whisking together Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
- Drizzle the zesty dressing over the tortellini mixture, using a silicone spatula to fold and coat each pasta pocket thoroughly, ensuring balanced flavor in every bite.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and hand-torn fragrant herbs like basil or parsley across the top for a final burst of color and taste.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately at room temperature for an optimal culinary experience.
Notes
- This vibrant pasta salad transforms ordinary tortellini into a zesty, refreshing meal perfect for summer gatherings.
- Prep everything in advance to minimize kitchen time and maximize flavor development.
- Cold rinsing keeps tortellini firm and prevents clumping, ensuring each bite remains distinct and appetizing.
- Customize the recipe by swapping protein or adding seasonal vegetables for endless delicious variations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 800 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg (varies with added salt)
- Fat: 90g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 78g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg