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Fresh Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad

Fresh Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad - featured image
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A bright, fresh Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for quick meals, picnics, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh cheese-filled tortellini
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade or roughly chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered (canned or jarred, drained)
  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls or diced fresh mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool them down. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified.
  3. While the tortellini cooks, chop 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup red onion, 1 cup artichoke hearts, and roughly chop 2 cups fresh spinach along with 1/4 cup fresh basil.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled tortellini with the chopped veggies, herbs, and 1 cup mini mozzarella balls or diced fresh mozzarella. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Do not overcook the tortellini to avoid mushiness. Rinse tortellini under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Whisk the dressing well to emulsify. Rough chop herbs to preserve fresh flavor. Salad can be served immediately or chilled for better flavor melding. Variations include gluten-free tortellini, vegan cheese, or adding protein like grilled chicken or tuna.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, fresh pasta salad, cheese tortellini salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic salad

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/fresh-tuscan-tortellini-pasta-salad-perfect-for-easy-mediterranean-meals/