Print

Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad
Print Recipe

A fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad combining tender cheese tortellini with crisp garden vegetables and a tangy, bright dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or healthy dinners, this colorful salad balances flavors and textures to satisfy pasta lovers and veggie enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz Cheese Tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium Cucumber, chopped
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 Red Onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil leaves, roughly chopped

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 3 tbsp Lemon Juice, fresh
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop fresh basil leaves to release their fragrance.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
  4. Toss the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with the chopped vegetables and basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Add Finishing Touches: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and give it one final gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed.

Notes

  • Cook Pasta Perfectly: Avoid overcooking tortellini to prevent mushy texture; al dente is key.
  • Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs make all the difference in taste and presentation.
  • Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and prepare dressing the day before for quicker assembly.
  • Customize Dressing: Adjust lemon juice and honey levels to find your perfect balance of tang and sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini pasta salad, garden salad, cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, easy pasta salad, healthy lunch, picnic recipe, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/garden-tortellini-pasta-salad/