Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
This easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is tossed with a flavorful (and speedy!) homemade dressing and is sure to vanish quickly at your next party or BBQ!
Ingredients
- 9-10 oz cheese tortellini refrigerated
- 1 cup bell pepper any color, diced
- ¾ cup cherry tomato
- ¼ cup turkey pepperoni chopped, or salami slices
- ¼ cup red onion or to taste, sliced
- ¼ cup artichoke hearts optional, jarred
- 2 TBSP banana peppers sliced, jarred
- 2 TBSP Parmesan Cheese plus extra to taste, freshly grated
ITALIAN PASTA SALAD DRESSING
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 2-3 TBSP lemon juice fresh
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ tsp thyme dried
- ½ tsp dried oregano leaves
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
- ¼ tsp salt plus extra to taste, sea salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper or to taste, freshly ground
Instructions
- Cook tortellini via package instructions, approx. 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Next make the dressing. Combine oil, vinegar, thyme, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Add 2-3 TBSP freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste. Lastly, peel and smash one small-medium clove of garlic. Finely mince and add to the bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside.
- For less bite/sharpness in your red onion (but all the tasty flavor) add your sliced red onion to the dressing bowl and allow to marinate while you prep the remaining ingredients. I love doing this!
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half and add to the pasta bowl along with diced pepperoni/salami, bell pepper, and banana pepper slices. Drain 1/4 cup jarred artichoke hearts, if using, and roughly chop before adding to the bowl.
- Whisk together dressing once more and pour over salad. Toss to combine and season with any additional spices desired, to taste, along with a fresh dusting of parmesan cheese. You can chill the salad first before diving in or dig in right away if preferred! I love it both ways. Enjoy!
Notes
- Recipe yields 6 side dish sized portions. I love pairing it with half a sandwich or a homemade veggie burger.
- Nutrition Facts below are estimated for pasta salad and dressing using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 348
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 348kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 29mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 529mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 164mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1001IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 40mg | 44% |
| Calcium | 96mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.