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Easy Creamy Cold Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe for Perfect Summer Meals

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A quick and easy creamy cold tortellini pasta salad with Italian dressing, perfect for summer meals, picnics, and potlucks. This recipe combines a luscious creamy dressing with fresh veggies and tender tortellini for a satisfying and refreshing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Italian dressing, store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup (30 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup (10 grams) fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: sliced black olives, diced cucumber, or roasted red peppers

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes if fresh or 8-10 minutes if frozen. Cook until al dente.
  2. Drain well in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Let drain thoroughly for about 5 minutes to avoid watery salad.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (120 ml) Italian dressing and 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1/3 cup (30 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Halve 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, finely dice 1/4 cup (40 grams) red onion, and chop 1/4 cup (10 grams) fresh basil. Soak diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes if you want less sharpness, then drain.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  8. Serve chilled or at room temperature. If salad feels dry after chilling, stir in a splash more Italian dressing before serving.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini for best texture. Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch to prevent sogginess. Mix dressing with mayo and Parmesan for creamy texture. Toss salad gently to avoid breaking tortellini. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Add extra dressing before serving if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, cold pasta salad, Italian dressing salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/easy-creamy-cold-tortellini-pasta-salad-recipe-for-perfect-summer-meals/