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Delicious easy tortellini salad served in a bowl, perfect for gatherings.

Easy Tortellini Salad

A vibrant and satisfying dish perfect for backyard barbecues and family picnics that combines tortellini with fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups tortellini Choose fresh or frozen for convenience.
  • 1/2 pieces English cucumber, halved and thinly sliced Feel free to substitute with regular cucumber.
  • 1/2 pieces red onion, diced Can be replaced with green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1/2 pieces green bell pepper, finely chopped Use yellow bell pepper for a sweeter taste.
  • 1/2 pieces orange or red bell pepper, finely chopped Any color bell pepper can be swapped.
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved Regular tomatoes can be used but should be seeded and chopped small.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing Balsamic vinaigrette can be tried as a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese Pecorino or nutritional yeast are good alternatives.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Basil or dill can be substituted based on preference.
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper Add more or less to taste.
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon additional chopped parsley and grated Parmesan Use for garnish before serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and black pepper until creamy and well combined. Set aside.
  3. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled tortellini and the prepared vegetables (cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and tomatoes).
  4. Gently fold in the prepared dressing, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Prior to serving, garnish with additional parsley and Parmesan for an elegant touch.

Notes

Common mistakes to avoid: Overcooking tortellini, forgetting to chill the salad, and not properly combining the dressing can lead to less satisfying results. For a heartier version, consider adding protein like grilled chicken or beans.