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italian tortelini

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a hearty pasta salad that is perfect for summer get togethers or backyard BBQs. Cheese tortellini is mixed with cubes of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, then tossed in a light Italian dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 1 20-ounce bag refrigerated cheese tortellini cooked
  • 1 cup pepperoni chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes sliced in half
  • 6 ounces roasted red peppers chopped
  • ⅓ cup red onion diced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 5 green onions white and green parts chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese cubed
  • ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese shredded
Salad Dressing
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. If you are making a homemade Italian dressing, prepare it ahead by placing all ingredients in a mason jar and shaking until combined. If not, you can use your favorite store-bought Italian dressing.
  2. Cook the tortellini in salted water according to the directions.
  3. Drain the tortellini and then rinse with cool water and drain.
  4. Add the tortellini to a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add the remaining ingredients to the tortellini and gently mix together.
  6. Pour half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Taste and add more dressing to taste or save the remaining dressing and add to the salad before serving.

Notes

  • The dressing will need to be shaken before using if you let it sit for because the ingredients will begin to separate.
  • Do not overcook the tortellini. You want to cook them until al dente. If you overcook them then they can start to fall apart.
  • Add other ingredients like artichokes, olives, banana peppers, pepperoncini, chickpeas, white beans, salami, bell peppers or cucumber.