Tortellini Salad and Basil Dressing
Bright, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Tortellini Salad with Basil Dressing is the perfect dish for any occasion. Featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, and briny black olives, this vibrant salad is elevated by a homemade basil dressing that’s as fragrant as it is flavorful. The dressing, a simple blend of fresh basil leaves, extra-virgin olive oil, zesty lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of honey, brings a balanced harmony of sweetness and tang to every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or a fresh weeknight dinner. Serve chilled, topped with optional Parmesan shavings for an extra layer of indulgence. This tortellini pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams Cheese tortellini
- 250 grams Cherry tomatoes
- 1 large Cucumber
- 0.5 medium Red onion
- 100 grams Black olives
- 30 grams Fresh basil leaves
- 80 milliliters Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
While the tortellini cool, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Peel and dice the cucumber. Thinly slice the red onion. Slice the black olives if they are whole. Place the prepared vegetables in a large salad bowl.
In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooled tortellini to the salad bowl with the vegetables. Pour the basil dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
If desired, grate fresh Parmesan cheese on top of the salad before serving.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold or at room temperature and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
543 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.2 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.6 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 43 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 729 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.1 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 16.3 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 273 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 373 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
