This chilly Tortellini Pasta Salad is the last word BBQ facet dish—loaded with cheese tortellini, juicy summer time tomatoes, crisp broccoli, and briny black olives.
Tortellini Salad
There’s one thing a couple of chilled pasta salad that simply hits in the summertime—and this simple tortellini model is all the time a crowd favourite. It pairs completely with something off the grill, from burgers and BBQ hen to skewers and sausages. I really like that it’s make-ahead pleasant, which makes celebration prep manner much less tense. Whether or not you’re heading to a yard BBQ or internet hosting a summer time potluck, this tortellini pasta salad is recent, flavorful, and constructed for sharing. The straightforward do-it-yourself Italian dressing ties all of it collectively—and it’s so good, you’ll wish to drizzle it on every part.
In search of simpler summer time sides? Don’t miss my Macaroni Salad, my wholesome Coleslaw Recipe, or this Greek Pasta Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Excellent for summer time – This chilled pasta salad is refreshing, gentle, and made for heat climate gatherings.
- Make-ahead pleasant – You may prep it hours prematurely, providing you with extra time to loosen up and benefit from the celebration.
- Pairs with every part – From grilled hen 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 elements you’ll be able to be ok with.
- Customizable – Swap in your favourite veggies, add protein, meats, cheese, or toss in additional herbs to make it your individual.
Elements You’ll Want
Right here’s what you’ll must make this backyard tortellini salad. See recipe card beneath for measurements.
- Cheese Tortellini – I really like utilizing Delallo’s shelf-stable three cheese tortellini. It holds up higher than recent in chilly pasta salads and has nice taste.
- Broccoli – Chop into small, bite-sized florets. You may flippantly blanch them should you choose a softer texture.
- Tomatoes – Use candy grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half for juicy bursts of taste.
- Crimson Onion – Provides simply the suitable chunk. Desire a milder possibility? Swap in thinly sliced shallot or inexperienced onions.
- Black Olives – Canned sliced olives save time, however kalamata olives work nice too if you would like a brinier twist.
- Easy Dressing – A drizzle of additional virgin olive oil and pink wine vinegar seasoned with salt, recent garlic, garlic powder, and dried parsley brings every part collectively.
Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
Right here’s the simple steps to have this tortellini salad to your subsequent celebration. See recipe card beneath 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 (optionally available) – For a brighter colour and barely tender chunk, shortly blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water. Or preserve them uncooked for crunch.
- Chop the veggies – Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the pink onion, and prep the olives if wanted.
- Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk collectively olive oil, pink wine vinegar, grated recent 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 part is coated.
- Chill and serve – Refrigerate for at the very least half-hour earlier than serving to let the flavors meld. Toss once more earlier than serving and modify seasoning if wanted.
Professional Tip
Rinsing the tortellini with chilly water prevents it from sticking and retains the salad cool and recent.
Variations and Swaps
- Greens – Combine and match with what you may have readily available. Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, cucumber, or celery all work nice. Roasted or grilled veggies like asparagus or eggplant can add additional taste, too.
- Protein Enhance – Flip this right into a major dish by including grilled hen, shrimp, chickpeas, and even diced salami or ham.
- Cheese Choices – Crumbled feta provides tang, whereas child mozzarella balls (bocconcini) make it additional creamy and indulgent.
- Recent Herbs – Brighten it up with recent basil, dill, or parsley proper earlier than serving.
- Dressing Twist – Swap pink 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 a couple of hours forward—and even the night time earlier than—making it a stress-free possibility for summer time entertaining. Tortellini pasta salad stays recent 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 in the future prematurely. Simply cowl and refrigerate, then give it a great 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 amazing match for burgers, BBQ hen, or skewers and makes a colourful addition to any summer time unfold.
Serve it alongside:
Planning a potluck? Add in different simple 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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Carry 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 underneath 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 underneath chilly water then add to a big bowl with the remaining elements.
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Combine properly and refrigerate till chilled. Serve chilly.
Final Step:
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- Tortellini: Shelf-stable tortellini holds up higher than recent in pasta salads. Cook dinner simply till al dente and rinse underneath 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 hen, or salami to show this right into a extra filling major 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
