Tuscan Tortellini Salad is a very quick and simple recipe which is ready in about 20-25 minutes . It is made with home made vinaigrette and it is basically meal in a bowl so there is no need to worry about making side dishes to go with it!!
This hearty, comforting and refreshing pasta salad is loaded with cheesy tortellini, olives, tomatoes, red pepper, cucumbers , mozzarella and smothered in tangy, Italian dressing! It can be made ahead of time for a perfect stress free picnic or potluck!
Course: Main/Side Cuisine: Italian Serves: 2-3
Ingredients:
- Cheese tortellini or ricotta and spinach tortellini : 300 gms ( any brand)
- Plum tomatoes: 15-20 ( halved)
- Pitted mixed olives: 15-20
- Mozzarella: 250 gms block chopped into small cubes
- Parmesan shavings: 1/4 cup
- Roasted red peppers : 1/4 cup, sliced thinly ( I used store bought ones )
- Red onion : 1/2 medium sized onion, diced
- Sun dried tomatoes: 1/4 cup, sliced into thin ribbons
- Fresh basil leaves: 15-20
- Cucumber: 1/4 cup, chopped into small pieces
For the dressing:
- Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Lime juice: 1.5 tbsp (white wine vinegar can be used as well )
- Garlic: 2cloves, minced
- Dried oregano : 1 tsp
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: according to taste
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
Method:
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and drain well. Set aside in a large serving bowl.A It is important to not overcook your tortellini or it will fall apart when tossed.
- Meanwhile, combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well combined.
- Add all the salad ingredients(except parmesan and basil ) to the pasta and pour over the dressing . Toss nicely to evenly distribute the dressing.
- Finish the salad with Parmesan and basil.
- Serve immediately or keep in fridge, covered, upto 3 days.
- Enjoy!!
