Quick Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe for Sunny Gatherings

Mediterranean breezes whisper secrets through this vibrant greek tortellini pasta salad that dances with fresh ingredients.

Summer’s warmth calls for light, zesty meals bursting with color and flavor.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender cheese-filled pasta, creating a delightful symphony of textures.

Tangy olives and crumbled feta cheese add Mediterranean authenticity to every delectable bite.

Herbs picked moments before preparation infuse the dish with incredible freshness and aroma.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, this salad promises to become your new favorite summer companion.

Bright and Flavorful Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Craft a Mediterranean Masterpiece: Transform simple ingredients into a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that transports your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece with minimal effort.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this versatile salad ahead of time, making it a perfect go-to option for quick lunches, picnics, or potluck gatherings that require zero last-minute stress.
• Kid and Adult Crowd-Pleaser: Combine familiar pasta with fresh vegetables and tangy feta to create a crowd-winning recipe that satisfies both picky eaters and sophisticated palates.
• Nutrition in Every Bite: Pack your meal with colorful vegetables, protein-rich cheese tortellini, and heart-healthy olive oil, delivering a balanced and nutritious dining experience.

Ingredients Checklist for Greek Tortellini Salad

• Cheese Tortellini: A delightful stuffed pasta that adds a creamy and cheesy element to the salad.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch, color, and a burst of garden-fresh flavor.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny and rich Greek olives that add a Mediterranean touch to the salad.

• Feta Cheese: A tangy and crumbly Greek cheese that brings a salty and creamy texture.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that adds a fresh, clean finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Classic Mediterranean dressing base that creates a light and zesty coating.
• Dijon Mustard: A sharp condiment that helps emulsify and enhance the dressing's flavor.
• Dried Oregano, Minced Garlic: Aromatic seasonings that provide a traditional Greek flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste of the salad.

Making Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water following package directions. Once tender, drain the pasta and immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and cool down the tortellini.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Vegetables

• Cherry tomatoes into halves
• Cucumber into small cubes
• Red onion into thin rings
• Kalamata olives into rough pieces

Step 3: Create Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Dried oregano
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Combine Salad Components

Add all chopped vegetables and tortellini into a large mixing bowl. Pour the whisked dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the top of the salad. For enhanced flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

The salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Tips to Keep Salad Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the dressing to marinate the ingredients, enhancing the taste and melding the Mediterranean flavors.
• Select ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and high-quality feta cheese to elevate the overall taste and texture of the pasta salad.
• Replace cheese tortellini with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the dish's delicious profile.
• Adjust the olive oil and vinegar ratio to create a light, zesty dressing that coats the pasta without becoming too heavy or soggy.

Variations to Keep Things Fun

• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein and a hearty texture.
• Mediterranean Veggie Blast: Include roasted zucchini, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant vegetable mix.
• Spicy Greek Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes and add sliced pepperoncini for a zesty, spicy flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Edition: Mix in fresh basil, dill, and mint to enhance the herbal notes and create a fresh, aromatic experience.

Sides and Drinks to Pair Nicely

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy feta and bright Mediterranean flavors, cutting through the pasta's richness with its refreshing acidity.
• Match with Greek-Style Appetizers: Serve alongside tzatziki, hummus, and warm pita bread to enhance the Greek-inspired theme, creating a cohesive and delightful dining experience that amplifies the salad's authentic Mediterranean profile.
• Balance with Grilled Protein: Add herb-marinated chicken or grilled shrimp to transform the pasta salad into a complete meal, providing additional protein and depth that harmonizes with the salad's zesty dressing and vegetable components.

How to Store This Salad Best

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Avoid freezing this pasta salad as the vegetables and cheese will lose their texture and become watery when thawed. Fresh ingredients are best enjoyed immediately.

Consume the salad cold or at room temperature. If needed, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and enhance the flavors.

Add fresh herbs or a splash of olive oil before serving to revive the salad’s taste and appearance after refrigeration.

FAQs

• Is this pasta salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, providing essential nutrients. The olive oil and feta cheese offer healthy fats, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this salad a day in advance. The flavors actually improve as they sit, and the tortellini absorbs the dressing, making it even more delicious.

• What if I can't find Kalamata olives?

No worries! You can substitute with regular black olives or green olives. The key is to choose olives that add a tangy, briny flavor to the salad.

Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through this Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad, creating a refreshing summer dish packed with tangy feta, crisp vegetables, and herbed tortellini. Cool ingredients blend perfectly, offering a delightful meal you can savor on warm afternoons.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (20 ounces / 567 grams) package cheese tortellini
• 1/2 cup (118 milliliters / 4 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) Kalamata olives, sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil tortellini in salted water for 7-9 minutes until al dente, following package cooking time. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking and prevent sticking.
2. Dice cucumber and slice cherry tomatoes into halves, creating uniform vegetable pieces for consistent flavor distribution.
3. Mince red onion finely to ensure subtle, sharp flavor without overwhelming the salad’s delicate balance.
4. Create vinaigrette by vigorously whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and minced garlic until emulsified and smooth.
5. Combine cooled tortellini with prepared vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced Kalamata olives in a spacious mixing bowl.
6. Drizzle prepared vinaigrette over salad, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with dressing.
7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
8. Refrigerate salad for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop complex taste profile.
9. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added brightness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Use freshly cooked tortellini at room temperature to prevent clumping and ensure better dressing absorption.
• Slice vegetables uniformly for consistent texture and professional presentation in each bite.
• Consider using whole wheat tortellini for added nutrition and a healthier alternative to traditional pasta.
• Marinate vegetables briefly in dressing before mixing to enhance flavor penetration and create more depth in the salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg