Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad combining tender cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty Mediterranean dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually boiling for about 7 minutes until tender. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful Mediterranean dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, halved kalamata olives, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with chopped fresh parsley if desired for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- This salad can be made up to one day in advance. Refresh with a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving to revive flavors.
- For additional protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use whole wheat or spinach tortellini as a healthier alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
