Almond Tortellini Salad
A vibrant almond tortellini salad combining savory cheese tortellini, tart green apples, raisins, red onion, celery, and blue cheese, dressed in Italian vinaigrette for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cooked tortellini, diced green apples, drained raisins, chopped red onion, and diced celery in a large bowl.
- Gently toss the mixture with bottled Italian salad dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Fold in crumbled Bleu cheese and chopped almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using a yogurt-based dressing instead of bottled Italian salad dressing. You can also substitute the tortellini with whole grain or gluten-free pasta. To enhance the flavors, add a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts. If you prefer a sweeter note, try using honey crisp apples in place of tart green apples.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing main dish, or as a side to grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes such as Broccoli And Bow Ties. For an extra crunch, sprinkle more chopped almonds on top just before serving for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it chills. When ready to enjoy, serve it cold straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the dressing slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Tortellini Salad contains roughly 330 calories, with 6g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 617mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep the crumbled Bleu cheese and almonds separate until you're ready to serve. This will keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.
What type of tortellini works best for this salad?
You can use any type of tortellini, but cheese or spinach tortellini complement the flavors in this salad well. If you want a meatier option, try using chicken or mushroom tortellini.
Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in ingredients like diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even cooked bacon for extra flavor. Experiment with herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).