Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Name: Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 - 20 ounce bag refrigerated cheese tortellini (cooked); 1 cup pepperoni (chopped); 1 pint cherry tomatoes (sliced in half); 6 ounces roasted red peppers (chopped); 1/3 red onion (diced); 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped); 5 green onions (white and green parts chopped); 1 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (cubed); 1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese (shredded); 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a hearty pasta salad that is perfect for summer get togethers or backyard bbqs. Cheese tortellini is mixed with cubes of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and tossed in a light Italian dressing.

Prep15 min
Cook5 min
Total20 min
Makes8 servings
Calories401

Ingredients

8 servings

1 - 20 ounce bag refrigerated cheese tortellini (cooked)
1 cup pepperoni (chopped)
1 pint cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
6 ounces roasted red peppers (chopped)
1/3 red onion (diced)
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
5 green onions (white and green parts chopped)
1 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (cubed)
1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese (shredded)

For the dressing:

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Method

1
If you are making a homemade Italian dressing prepare it ahead by placing all ingredients in a mason jar and shaking until combined. If not, you can use your favorite store-bought Italian dressing.
2
Cook the tortellini in salted water according to the directions.
3
Drain the tortellini and then rinse with cool water and drain.
4
Add the tortellini to a large mixing bowl.
5
Add the remaining ingredients to the tortellini and gently mix together.
6
Pour half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Taste and add more dressing to taste or save the remaining dressing and add to the salad before serving.

Notes

Always shake the dressing well before pouring, the oil and vinegar separate as it sits. Cook the tortellini to just al dente. It continues absorbing dressing in the fridge and will fall apart if overcooked. Hold back half the dressing when assembling. Stir it in right before serving so the salad stays fresh and well-coated. Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference. Fresh basil and parsley are the base; oregano and thyme are great additions if you have them. For the best flavor, refrigerate at least 1 to 2 hours before serving, overnight is even better.