Description
Creamy Italian tortellini pasta salad combines cheese-filled pasta with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs. Summer gatherings welcome this refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish that delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures you will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (118 ml) olive oil
- ¼ cup (59 ml) vinegar
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boiling Preparation: Heat a large pot with generously salted water to a rolling boil, then carefully cook tortellini for 7-9 minutes until they float and reach perfect al dente texture.
- Cooling Process: Drain tortellini in a colander and swiftly rinse under cold water to cease cooking and prevent adhesion, then allow to cool completely.
- Vegetable Integration: Chop fresh vegetables into uniform pieces and combine with cooled tortellini in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk Dijon mustard, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper into a smooth, cohesive emulsion that will enhance the pasta’s flavor profile.
- Flavor Infusion: Pour prepared dressing over tortellini and vegetable mixture, gently folding with a silicone spatula to coat each pasta pocket thoroughly and distribute seasonings evenly.
- Garnishing Finale: Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and hand-torn aromatic herbs like basil or parsley across the salad, adding visual appeal and robust flavor complexity.
- Serving Recommendation: Chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize, or serve immediately at room temperature for an optimal gastronomic experience.
Notes
- Prevent Pasta Clumping: Rinse tortellini immediately with cold water to stop cooking and separate pasta pieces, avoiding a sticky, unappetizing texture.
- Master the Dressing: Whisk ingredients vigorously to create a perfectly emulsified dressing that clings evenly to every tortellini, ensuring maximum flavor in each bite.
- Herb Selection Matters: Choose fresh, fragrant herbs like basil or parsley to elevate the salad’s taste and provide a vibrant, aromatic finish.
- Flavor Development Tip: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator allows ingredients to mingle and intensify, creating a more complex and delicious dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg