Tortellini In Herb-Garlic Dressing
A vibrant, herb-infused tortellini salad featuring garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook tortellini in boiling salted water until tender but still firm.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Place the cooked tortellini in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, mashed garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and white pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the tortellini and toss to coat evenly.
- Add chopped basil, parsley, scallions, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss again gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, use fresh herbs whenever possible, as dried herbs may not provide the same intensity. If you're short on time, pre-cooked tortellini can be a great substitute. For a twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to enhance the dish. This recipe is versatile and can easily complement other Italian recipes, such as a side of Italian Layer Cake for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tortellini dish as a light main course or a side salad. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a glass of light white wine. For a complete meal, consider offering a slice of Great Pizza Crust or some garlic bread on the side, adding a delightful touch to your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it gently, adding a splash of olive oil to restore moisture, or warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortellini In Herb-Garlic Dressing contains roughly 162 calories, with 9g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1950mg per serving (85% 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 use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tortellini! Just reduce the cooking time according to package instructions, as fresh varieties typically cook faster. Keep an eye on them to ensure they remain al dente.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative. Ensure that the tortellini you use is also vegan-friendly, as some varieties contain eggs.
What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
If you don't have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Both will provide a similar tangy flavor, which complements the dressing beautifully.
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).