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To make a tasty tortellini pasta salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 12 oz cheese tortellini - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Each serving of this salad has about: - Calories: 280 - Protein: 10g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fiber: 3g - Fat: 14g This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals. It offers a colorful mix of nutrients. When choosing your ingredients, keep these tips in mind: - Tortellini: Look for fresh or frozen cheese tortellini. Check the expiration date to ensure freshness. - Vegetables: Choose firm and vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and colorful bell peppers. - Olives: Select pitted black olives for easy use. They should have a shiny surface and a fresh smell. - Feta Cheese: Opt for blocks of feta instead of crumbled for better texture and flavor. - Basil: Pick fresh basil leaves with bright green color. Avoid any that are wilted or brown. Using fresh ingredients makes your tortellini pasta salad taste better and look fantastic. For the full recipe, check the section above. Start by cooking the cheese tortellini. Boil water in a large pot. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions. You want it to be al dente. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the tortellini and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking. It also cools the pasta down. Set it aside in a large bowl. Now it's time to mix the salad. In that same bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and diced bell peppers. Next, add the finely chopped red onion and sliced black olives. Crumble some feta cheese over the top. Finally, sprinkle in fresh basil. This adds a bright flavor. Gently toss everything together, making sure each ingredient gets mixed well. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure it's well combined. Pour this dressing over the tortellini and veggie mix. Toss it all again until everything is coated. Fold in the chopped fresh basil carefully. You can save some for garnish later. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. Enjoy this fresh and colorful dish! You can find the Full Recipe online for more details. One common mistake is overcooking the tortellini. Always cook it until al dente. This keeps it firm and adds a nice bite. Another mistake is not rinsing the pasta after cooking. Rinsing cools it down and prevents it from sticking together. Avoid adding too much dressing. Start with a little, then add more if needed. Lastly, don’t skip chilling the salad. Letting it sit helps the flavors blend. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They add a bright taste. You can also mix in some lemon zest for extra zing. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you love cheese, consider more feta or even a sprinkle of Parmesan. A splash of balsamic glaze can also give a sweet kick. Taste as you go to find your perfect mix. This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to three days. When ready to eat, give it a good toss to mix. For the best flavor, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free option, try a vegetarian tortellini pasta salad. Use cheese tortellini as your base. Add lots of fresh veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. You can also include chickpeas for extra protein. The mix of flavors makes it filling and tasty. Toss in a handful of spinach for added nutrients. This salad is colorful and great for any meal. For those who enjoy a heartier salad, adding proteins is a great idea. Grilled chicken works well and adds a smoky flavor. You can also use canned tuna for a quick option. Simply drain the tuna and mix it in. For a unique twist, try adding shrimp. Cook the shrimp lightly, then mix it with the tortellini. Each protein adds a new taste and makes the salad more satisfying. Get creative with your ingredients! Swap the feta cheese for goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can also change the dressing; a balsamic vinaigrette offers a rich flavor. Instead of olive oil, use avocado oil for a different taste. If you like a crunch, add sunflower seeds or nuts. Experiment with herbs too! Fresh dill or parsley can change the whole vibe of your dish. The Full Recipe is flexible, so have fun with it! To keep your tortellini pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to press out any air before sealing. This helps keep the flavors strong and the veggies crisp. If you have leftover dressing, store it separately. This way, the salad won’t become soggy. When you're ready to eat, just toss in the dressing again. If stored properly, tortellini pasta salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you see any signs of spoilage, it’s best to toss it out. Remember, the fresher the salad, the better it tastes! Freezing tortellini pasta salad is not the best idea. The veggies lose their crispness and the pasta can become mushy. If you must freeze it, only freeze the tortellini and the dressing. Store them separately. When you want to enjoy the salad again, thaw them in the fridge. Then mix with fresh veggies and herbs for the best flavor. If you want the full recipe, you can check out the detailed steps above. Yes, you can make tortellini pasta salad ahead of time. In fact, this dish tastes better after resting. Make it a few hours or the night before serving. This allows the flavors to mix well. Just keep it in the fridge. Before serving, give it a quick toss to refresh it. I recommend using cheese tortellini for this salad. Cheese tortellini adds a rich and creamy taste. You can also use spinach or meat-filled tortellini if you prefer. Just ensure it pairs well with your other salad ingredients. The key is to pick a flavor that you enjoy. Serving tortellini pasta salad for a crowd is easy. Use a large bowl to mix and display the salad. You can also divide it into smaller bowls for individual servings. Garnish each bowl with extra fresh basil and feta for added appeal. This makes it look festive and inviting. This blog post gave you a clear guide on making tortellini pasta salad. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting the dish. Remember to choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Avoid common mistakes to make your salad shine. Get creative with variations and store leftovers properly. Making this dish ahead of time can save you effort when hosting. Use these tips to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Tortellini Pasta Salad

Brighten up your meals with this colorful tortellini pasta salad! Packed with fresh veggies, creamy feta, and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick lunch option. Learn how to whip up this tasty dish in just 15 minutes and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors in every bite. Click through now to discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz cheese tortellini

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Pour the dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

          Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil, reserving some for garnish if desired.

            Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

              Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve chilled in a large bowl or individual serving plates, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of feta on top for an appealing finish.