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Best Cold Tortellini Salad

A fresh and flavorful cold tortellini pasta salad loaded with vegetables, herbs, cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and make-ahead meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 20 oz cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 0.5 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup black olives sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
Dressing
  • 0.33 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey optional
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions until tender.
  2. Drain and rinse tortellini under cool water. Let drain completely.
  3. In a large bowl, combine tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, basil, parsley, and parmesan.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  7. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

For best flavor, make a few hours ahead and refresh with extra dressing before serving.