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Summer Tortellini Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad packed with cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 9 oz package of cheese tortellini Tender and cheesy, the tortellini serves as the hearty base of this salad.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Juicy and sweet, they add a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers bring a great crunch to the mix.
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced Adds a sharp bite that balances the dish beautifully.
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced Earthy and briny, olives enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese Creamy and tangy, feta brings a lovely richness to each bite.
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped Aromatic and fragrant, fresh basil brightens the entire dish.
Dressing Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Rich and robust, it serves as the perfect base for the dressing.
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice A splash of acidity that cuts through the richness and brightens the flavors.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard Adds a slight tang and depth to the dressing.
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano Herby and fragrant, this spice enhances the overall taste.

Method
 

Cooking the Tortellini
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. Once tender yet firm, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, toss the cooled tortellini with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta, and basil until evenly mixed.
Mixing and Serving
  1. Pour the dressing over the combined ingredients and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

Notes

For an even simpler preparation, consider using pre-packaged tortellini. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost. Experiment with herbs like mint or parsley and consider a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.