Creamy Tortellini Pasta Salad
This creamy tortellini pasta salad is fresh, flavorful and incredibly easy to make. Packed with colorful veggies and tossed in a tangy, creamy herb dressing, it’s the perfect chilled side dish or light main.
Ingredients
- 1 (19-ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup bell peppers (chopped)
- ¼ cup green onion (sliced)
- ¼ cup black olives (sliced)
- 3 tablespoons sweet onion (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or herbes de Provence)
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Plunge into cold water to stop the cooking, then drain well and place in a large bowl.
- Add the tomatoes, bell peppers, sweet onion, green onion, olives and parsley. (If you’re making it flex, add the cooked chicken or other protein now. See notes.)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar and Italian seasoning. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until it is well incorporated.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly. Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
Kori's Tips
For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
TIPS: Chill at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours, so the flavors can blend. Cook the tortellini just until tender so it holds its shape. Flavors mellow as the salad rests, so taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper right before serving.
VARIATIONS: Toss in fresh mozzarella pearls, swap the parsley for fresh basil, or add chopped cucumber for extra crunch. Stir in crumbled feta or sprinkle parmesan on top right before serving.
MAKE IT FLEX: Add 2 cups chopped cooked chicken, ham, or diced hard salami. Add an extra 2 tablespoons of mayo and ½ teaspoon of herbes de Provence, then adjust the seasoning after it chills.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan. Serve it with grilled veggie burgers or roasted vegetables, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy a big bowl as a light meal on its own.
Nutrition
Calories: 473kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 14gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 543mgPotassium: 151mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1140IUVitamin C: 41mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg
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