Tri-Color Tortellini Salad
A vibrant tri-color tortellini salad packed with fresh vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. tri-color tortellini ⓘ
- 1/2 head blanched broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. diced Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cloves chopped garlic ⓘ
- 2 to 3 leaves fresh basil ⓘ
- 10 sun-dried tomatoes, blanched and cut in matchstick pieces
- 1/2 cup virgin olive oil
- 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions.
- While the tortellini are cooking, mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped garlic, and Dijon mustard together well.
- Strain the cooked tortellini and add it to a large bowl.
- Add the blanched broccoli florets, diced mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped basil to the tortellini.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the ingredients and toss to combine.
- Let the salad set for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat tortellini or substituting the mozzarella with feta cheese. Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley can also enhance the flavor profile. To save time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen tortellini. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tri-color tortellini salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, or as part of a larger spread featuring Italian recipes. Consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tortellini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in the microwave, but it's best enjoyed cold. The flavors will meld further after sitting in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tri-Color Tortellini Salad contains roughly 431 calories, with 9g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 773mg per serving (34% 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 add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even olives for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes for even distribution throughout the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! Just keep the vinaigrette separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the tortellini from becoming soggy. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for lunches or quick dinners.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the mozzarella cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. Ensure that the tortellini you choose is also vegan-friendly. The vinaigrette is already plant-based, so it will complement the salad 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).