This chilly Tortellini Pasta Salad is the last word BBQ facet dish—loaded with cheese tortellini, juicy summer season tomatoes, crisp broccoli, and briny black olives.
Tortellini Salad
There’s one thing a few chilled pasta salad that simply hits in the summertime—and this straightforward tortellini model is at all times a crowd favourite. It pairs completely with something off the grill, from burgers and BBQ rooster to skewers and sausages. I like that it’s make-ahead pleasant, which makes celebration prep manner much less worrying. Whether or not you’re heading to a yard BBQ or internet hosting a summer season potluck, this tortellini pasta salad is contemporary, flavorful, and constructed for sharing. The straightforward do-it-yourself Italian dressing ties all of it collectively—and it’s so good, you’ll need to drizzle it on every little thing.
On the lookout for less difficult summer season sides? Don’t miss my Macaroni Salad, my wholesome Coleslaw Recipe, or this Greek Pasta Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Good for summer season – This chilled pasta salad is refreshing, gentle, and made for heat climate gatherings.
- Make-ahead pleasant – You possibly can prep it hours prematurely, supplying you with extra time to calm down and benefit from the celebration.
- Pairs with every little thing – From grilled rooster to burgers and veggie skewers, it’s the last word BBQ facet dish.
- No bottled salad dressing – The straightforward do-it-yourself Italian dressing is made with substances you possibly can be ok with.
- Customizable – Swap in your favourite veggies, add protein, meats, cheese, or toss in further herbs to make it your individual.
Elements You’ll Want
Right here’s what you’ll have to make this backyard tortellini salad. See recipe card under for measurements.
- Cheese Tortellini – I like utilizing Delallo’s shelf-stable three cheese tortellini. It holds up higher than contemporary in chilly pasta salads and has nice taste.
- Broccoli – Chop into small, bite-sized florets. You possibly can flippantly blanch them for those who desire a softer texture.
- Tomatoes – Use candy grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half for juicy bursts of taste.
- Pink Onion – Provides simply the best chew. Choose a milder possibility? Swap in thinly sliced shallot or inexperienced onions.
- Black Olives – Canned sliced olives save time, however kalamata olives work nice too in order for you a brinier twist.
- Easy Dressing – A drizzle of additional virgin olive oil and crimson wine vinegar seasoned with salt, contemporary garlic, garlic powder, and dried parsley brings every little thing collectively.
Tips on how to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
Right here’s the straightforward steps to have this tortellini salad to your subsequent celebration. See recipe card under for precise measurements.
- Cook dinner the tortellini – Boil in accordance with package deal instructions. Drain and rinse with chilly water to cease the cooking and funky it down shortly.
- Blanch the broccoli (non-compulsory) – For a brighter colour and barely tender chew, shortly blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water. Or hold them uncooked for crunch.
- Chop the veggies – Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the crimson onion, and prep the olives if wanted.
- Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk collectively olive oil, crimson wine vinegar, grated contemporary garlic, garlic powder, dried parsley, and kosher salt.
- Assemble the salad – In a big bowl, mix the cooked tortellini, broccoli, tomatoes, onion, and olives. Pour the dressing over and toss gently till every little thing is coated.
- Chill and serve – Refrigerate for at the least half-hour earlier than serving to let the flavors meld. Toss once more earlier than serving and alter seasoning if wanted.
Professional Tip
Rinsing the tortellini with chilly water prevents it from sticking and retains the salad cool and contemporary.
Variations and Swaps
- Greens – Combine and match with what you may have available. Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, cucumber, or celery all work nice. Roasted or grilled veggies like asparagus or eggplant can add further taste, too.
- Protein Enhance – Flip this right into a fundamental dish by including grilled rooster, shrimp, chickpeas, and even diced salami or ham.
- Cheese Choices – Crumbled feta provides tang, whereas child mozzarella balls (bocconcini) make it further creamy and indulgent.
- Contemporary Herbs – Brighten it up with contemporary basil, dill, or parsley proper earlier than serving.
- Dressing Twist – Swap crimson wine vinegar for lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for a barely sweeter taste profile.
Make Forward and Storage Suggestions
This pasta salad is greatest made just a few hours forward—and even the evening earlier than—making it a stress-free possibility for summer season entertaining. Tortellini pasta salad stays contemporary for as much as 3 days when saved in an hermetic container within the fridge. Simply toss earlier than serving.
- Make Forward: This pasta salad might be made as much as sooner or later prematurely. Simply cowl and refrigerate, then give it an excellent toss earlier than serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Storage: Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. If the pasta absorbs an excessive amount of dressing, refresh it with a splash of olive oil or vinegar earlier than serving.
What to Serve With Tortellini Salad
This chilled tortellini salad pairs completely with absolutely anything you’re grilling. It’s an important match for burgers, BBQ rooster, or skewers and makes a colourful addition to any summer season unfold.
Serve it alongside:
Planning a potluck? Add in different straightforward sides like my Potato Salad, Corn Tomato Avocado Salad, or Grilled Corn on the Cob for a well-rounded menu everybody will love.
Extra Pasta Recipes You’ll Love:
Yield: 14 servings
Serving Measurement: 1 cup
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Deliver a big pot of salted water to a boil.
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When boiling, blanch the broccoli 15 to 30 seconds and take away with a slotted spoon and rinse below chilly water to cease it from cooking.
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Add the tortellini to the boiling water and prepare dinner in accordance with package deal instructions.
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Drain and rinse below chilly water then add to a big bowl with the remaining substances.
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Combine effectively and refrigerate till chilled. Serve chilly.
Final Step:
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- Tortellini: Shelf-stable tortellini holds up higher than contemporary in pasta salads. Cook dinner simply till al dente and rinse below chilly water to cease the cooking.
- Broccoli: For a softer texture, blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water.
- Make Forward: Finest served chilly—might be made as much as 1 day prematurely. Toss earlier than serving and refresh with a splash of oil or vinegar if wanted.
- Add-Ins: Attempt child mozzarella balls, feta, grilled rooster, or salami to show this right into a extra filling fundamental dish.
Serving: 1 cup, Energy: 192 kcal, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 6 g, Fats: 8 g, Saturated Fats: 2.5 g, Ldl cholesterol: 19 mg, Sodium: 398 mg, Fiber: 2.5 g, Sugar: 2.5 g
