Cheese Tortellini Salad Italian Dressing (Print)
Tender cheese tortellini tossed with crisp vegetables and zesty Italian dressing
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz fresh cheese tortellini
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
04 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
→ Cheese & Herbs
07 - 1/3 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn
→ Dressing
10 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
12 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
13 - 1 clove garlic, minced
14 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
# How To Make It:
01 - Prepare tortellini according to package directions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking process and cool pasta. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
02 - Combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, halved mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves in a large salad bowl.
03 - Add cooled tortellini to the vegetable mixture. Gently fold together to distribute ingredients evenly without damaging pasta or delicate mozzarella.
04 - Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified and well combined.
05 - Pour dressing evenly over salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over top and fold once more to incorporate.
06 - Serve immediately for optimal texture, or refrigerate up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving if refrigerated.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The tortellini stays perfectly tender and somehow absorbs even more flavor as it sits
- Everything can be prepped ahead so you're not stuck in the kitchen when guests arrive
02 -
- Rinse your cooked tortellini under cold water immediately or it'll keep cooking and turn into a gummy mess
- This salad actually tastes better after sitting for an hour, so never feel pressured to serve it right away
03 -
- Buy the freshest mozzarella you can find since it's the star ingredient
- Taste a piece of tortellini before draining and cook until it's just slightly past al dente since it'll firm up as it cools