Description
Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, this Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad is your go-to for quick lunches, easy dinners, and picnic-perfect sides. Packed with cheese tortellini, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, it’s everything you want in a quick meal, easy dinner, or healthy summer snack. Whether you’re looking for fresh dinner ideas, make-ahead food ideas, or a simple easy recipe that pleases a crowd—this one checks every box.
Ingredients
20 ounces cheese tortellini
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
3/4 cup mozzarella pearls
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, usually 3–5 minutes.
2. Drain and rinse the tortellini under cold water to stop cooking. Let it cool completely.
3. While the tortellini cools, prep the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the olives.
4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, chopped vegetables, olives, and mozzarella pearls.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
7. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Toss again and adjust seasoning before serving, if needed.
Notes
Rinse the tortellini in cold water after boiling to stop the cooking process instantly.
Make sure vegetables are dry before mixing to avoid watering down the dressing.
Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 30
Keywords: pasta salad, tortellini salad, summer side, quick lunch, picnic food