Flavorful Cold Tortellini Antipasto Salad Recipe Delight

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you’re ready to dive into a bowl of Cold Tortellini Antipasto Salad that bursts with flavors! Imagine pasta tossed with colorful vegetables, tangy olives, and zesty dressing, all coming together in perfect harmony. zesty bean salad for picnics It’s like a party for your taste buds. Whether you’re at a picnic or just need a quick lunch, this salad brings joy in every forkful.

I remember the first time I made this salad for a family gathering. My cousin declared it “the best thing ever,” which led to an impromptu taste-testing competition among the family. Spoiler alert: my Cold Tortellini Antipasto Salad won hands down and secured my title as the “Salad Queen.” Trust me; it’s the perfect dish to impress your friends or simply enjoy on a sunny afternoon! For more inspiration, check out this refreshing summer salad recipe.

I once brought this dish to a potluck where even the pickiest eaters couldn’t resist going back for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cheese Tortellini: Use fresh or frozen tortellini; both varieties work great, but fresh adds a lovely texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for vibrant red tomatoes for sweetness and color; they pop beautifully in the salad. sweet fruit salsa dessert.
• Cucumber: Choose firm cucumbers; they add crunch and freshness to balance out the rich flavors.
• Bell Peppers: Any color works! They bring brightness and sweetness; I love using red and yellow for visual appeal.
• Olives: Kalamata or green olives add a briny kick; pit them if needed for convenience. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
• Red Onion: Use finely chopped red onion for that sharp flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Italian Dressing: A good store-bought dressing saves time, but homemade is always an option if you feel adventurous!
• Fresh Basil: Chopped basil adds aromatic freshness; use it generously for maximum flavor impact.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan elevates this salad with its nutty richness; sprinkle generously before serving!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente; this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Cool Down Your Pasta: Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water until chilled. This step is crucial to stop further cooking and keep that pasta perfectly tender.

Toss in Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, diced bell peppers, sliced olives, and minced red onion. The colors should look like summer on your plate!

Add Dressing & Seasonings: Pour Italian dressing over your veggie mixture. Don’t forget salt and pepper! Stir well until everything is coated evenly—each bite should be bursting with flavor.

Fold in Tortellini & Herbs: Gently fold in your cooled tortellini along with chopped basil until well combined. Be careful not to mush up those beautiful pasta pockets!

Chill & Serve!: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This waiting game allows flavors to mingle beautifully—trust me; it’s worth it!

Now you have an irresistible Cold Tortellini Antipasto Salad ready to wow your friends or family! Enjoy every delightful bite while basking in compliments about your culinary prowess! herb-infused salad option.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking tortellini according to package instructions while chopping veggies and preparing the dressing simultaneously for efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different proteins like diced salami or grilled chicken, or add seasonal veggies for extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best enjoyed cold and doesn’t require reheating.

Sharing this delightful recipe brings back memories of summer picnics where my friends raved about this salad; they never guessed it was so easy to prepare! light summer salad recipe.

FAQ

What types of pasta work best for Cold Tortellini Antipasto Salad?

Any variety of tortellini, whether cheese or meat-filled, works great for this salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal to prepare it a few hours in advance for the flavors to meld perfectly.

How do I prevent the tortellini from sticking together?

Toss cooked tortellini with olive oil immediately after draining to keep them separated.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Cold Tortellini Antipasto Salad

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cold Tortellini Antipasto Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for picnics or quick lunches. This delightful salad features al dente cheese tortellini tossed with fresh vegetables, briny olives, and a zesty Italian dressing, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it’s versatile enough to serve as either a side or a main dish. Impress your friends or family with this colorful and delicious salad that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz cheese tortellini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup Italian dressing
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook the tortellini in boiling salted water according to package instructions (about 3-5 minutes) until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse the tortellini under cold water to cool completely.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, and red onion.
4. Add the Italian dressing along with salt and pepper. Toss until well mixed.
5. Gently fold in the cooled tortellini and basil until evenly combined.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 20mg