Description
This Refreshing Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make summer dish combining cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Tossed in tangy Italian dressing and topped with grated Parmesan, this salad offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and zesty flavors ideal for picnics, barbecues, or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing & Cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the red onion. Combine all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the salad: Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour in the Italian dressing and toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated.
- Add cheese and chill: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and gently toss again. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and ensure a refreshing chilled dish.
- Serve and enjoy: Give the salad a final toss, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed (salt and pepper). Serve chilled as a light lunch or a side dish at your next gathering.
Notes
- Homemade Italian dressing can be used for a fresher taste and to control ingredients.
- Substitute frozen tortellini if fresh is unavailable; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegan version, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use a dairy-free tortellini.
- Other crunchy vegetables such as zucchini or celery can substitute cucumber for variety.
- This pasta salad tastes best when allowed to chill for at least 30 minutes to develop flavors fully.
