Tortellini Seafood Salad
A vibrant seafood pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini, Provolone, fresh vegetables, and Italian dressing, perfect for a light, flavorful meal or a picnic side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse in cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, cubed Provolone cheese, sliced carrots, chopped cucumber or zucchini, chopped onion, and shredded Seastix.
- Pour Italian salad dressing over the mixture and toss well.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in McCormick salad seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Feel free to vary vegetables by adding green pepper, olives, tomatoes, or broccoli.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure you don't overcook the tortellini; al dente is ideal. You can substitute the Seastix with any seafood of your choice, like shrimp or crab, to customize the salad. Feel free to add more vegetables such as green pepper or olives for extra flavor and crunch. This dish is versatile and can be served warm or cold, making it a great choice for potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tortellini seafood salad chilled as a refreshing main dish or a side at your next gathering. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be served alongside a light Italian vinaigrette-dressed salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with garlic bread or a slice of Pizzelles (Chocolate) for dessert to complement the Italian flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out. This tortellini seafood salad can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortellini Seafood Salad contains roughly 538 calories, with 18g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (153% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1113mg per serving (48% 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 adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as fresh tortellini typically cooks faster. This will enhance the overall flavor and texture of your seafood salad.
What other seafood can I add to this salad?
You can add a variety of seafood options, such as shrimp, crab meat, or even diced salmon. These additions will elevate the dish and provide more protein. Just make sure to cook any raw seafood thoroughly before mixing it in.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This tortellini seafood salad is perfect for meal prepping. It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just ensure the dressing is mixed in right before serving for optimal 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).