Colorful Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (includes chilling)
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: Approximately 16
Description:
This delightful and vibrant tortellini pasta salad has garnered numerous requests, thanks to its appealing presentation and irresistible flavor profile. With a preference for lighter dressings, this recipe can be easily adjusted for those who enjoy a bit more richness by simply increasing the oil and vinegar. I’ve received nothing but compliments for this dish, which showcases dry, tri-color tortellini, though feel free to substitute refrigerated tortellini or any pasta that strikes your fancy. The key to elevating this dish lies in the use of fresh herbs and quality fresh Parmesan cheese, steering clear of the powdered variety. Additionally, I suspect that adding fresh broccoli would be a fantastic twist. This recipe yields a generous quantity, making it perfect for larger gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 16 oz | Tri-color tortellini |
| 1 | Red bell pepper, diced |
| 1 | Yellow bell pepper, diced |
| 1 | Orange bell pepper, diced |
| 1 | Green bell pepper, diced |
| 1 | Red onion, diced |
| 1 cup | Black olives, sliced |
| 1/4 cup | White wine vinegar |
| 1/2 cup | Olive oil |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh mint, chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh basil, chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh parsley, chopped |
| 2 tbsp | Lemon juice |
| 1/4 tsp | Black pepper |
| 1 tsp | Garlic granules |
| 1/4 tsp | Cayenne pepper |
| 1 cup | Feta cheese, crumbled |
| 1/2 cup | Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 155.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 17.6 mg |
| Sodium | 287.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 17.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugars | 1.7 g |
| Protein | 5.7 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Pasta: Begin by cooking the tri-color tortellini according to the package instructions. If you prefer a firmer texture, consider undercooking the pasta by one to two minutes. This adjustment will ensure it holds up well once combined with the dressing and other ingredients.
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Cool the Pasta: Once cooked, rinse the tortellini thoroughly under cold water to halt the cooking process and drain well. This step is crucial to achieve a refreshing pasta salad that won’t clump together.
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Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the white wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped herbs (mint, basil, parsley), lemon juice, garlic granules, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This mixture will serve as the flavorful dressing that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
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Combine the Vegetables: In a very large bowl, combine the diced red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers, along with the diced red onion and sliced black olives. This colorful medley not only adds visual appeal but also a delightful crunch to the salad.
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Mix the Tortellini and Vegetables: Gently stir in the cooled tortellini with the vegetable mixture, taking care not to break the pasta. This step is all about ensuring an even distribution of ingredients throughout the salad.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Using a light touch, toss everything together to ensure that the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
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Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least four hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
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Serve with Cheese: Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and grated fresh Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. This final touch adds a creamy richness that complements the vibrant flavors of the salad.
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Enjoy: Serve this colorful tortellini pasta salad at your next gathering, and prepare for the compliments to roll in! Its bright colors and fresh flavors are sure to make it a hit among your guests.
This Colorful Tortellini Pasta Salad, with its lively mix of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and hearty tortellini, is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors perfect for any potluck or large gathering. Enjoy every delightful bite!
