Red And Green Tortellini Salad
A vibrant, flavorful salad combining tender cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that appeal to both casual and gourmet palates.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. package fresh tortellini with cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cups frozen, thawed French-cut green beans ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 scallions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 1/2 Tbsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook tortellini until just tender, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Drain well.
- Return pasta to the pot. Stir in vinegar, oil, and all remaining ingredients.
- Mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately on assorted lettuce leaves or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresh twist, consider adding diced cucumbers or olives for extra crunch. If fresh basil is unavailable, substituting with 1 1/2 tablespoons of dried basil works well. To enhance the flavor, marinate the salad for a couple of hours before serving. This tortellini salad pairs beautifully with Italian Meat Balls And Sauce for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this colorful tortellini salad on a bed of assorted lettuce leaves for an appealing presentation. It also complements grilled chicken or fish, making it a versatile side dish. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light Italian Marinade For Steak Or Venison and a glass of white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the salad on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to revive the flavors. Alternatively, enjoy it cold for a refreshing lunch option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red And Green Tortellini Salad contains roughly 259 calories, with 13g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value), iron (86% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute tortellini with other pasta types like rotini or penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pastas may require more or less time to become tender.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as the flavors meld beautifully over time. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, to make this salad vegan, simply use vegan tortellini and replace cheese with a plant-based alternative. You can also add more vegetables or beans to boost the protein content.
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).