Tortellini Pasta Salad
User Reviews
4.8
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
8 mins
-
Total Time
28 mins
-
Servings
5
-
Calories
607 kcal
-
Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Salad
-
Cuisine
American
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Description
This pasta salad features tender cooked tortellini paired with a variety of colorful vegetables and beans. The dressing blends olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, rice vinegar, minced garlic, granulated sugar, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to produce a vibrant and balanced coat. The acidity of lime and vinegar brightens the dish, while herbs and spices add savory warmth. Including creamy avocado and the sweetness of corn contribute texture contrast and fresh flavor.
It’s suited to be served chilled or at room temperature and makes a convenient dish for gatherings or meal prep. Adjusting protein by adding grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or steak is an option to make it heartier. Likewise, ingredients can be substituted based on availability and taste preferences.
For meal prep, cooking the tortellini and chopping veggies ahead is efficient. The dressing can be stored separately and combined just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Ingredients
- 20 ounce package tortellini three cheese; refrigerated
- 1 cup corn , fresh cooked, canned or frozen
- 15 ounce can black beans , drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 avocado , peeled, seeded and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomato halved
- 1/4 cup red onion , chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped, fresh
Dressing:
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- lime juice juice from 2 limes
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- salt to taste, freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, freshly ground
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Add tortellini to a large bowl. Add cooked corn, black beans, bell pepper, avocado, cherry tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
- Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a resealable jar. Shake until combined. Pour desired amount of dressing (you may not want to use it all) over the pasta and toss to coat.
Notes
- Use refrigerated tortellini for better taste and quicker cooking compared to dry varieties.
- Make ahead by preparing components separately, then combine before serving for freshness.
- Add grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or steak to increase protein content.
- Substitute beans and vegetables as preferred or based on what you have on hand.
- To increase heat, add hot sauce to the dressing.
- If preferred, store-bought southwest or Italian dressings can be used as a shortcut.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 607 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 607kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 75g | 25% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 43mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 502mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 587mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 12g | 48% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1155IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 46.7mg | 52% |
| Calcium | 184mg | 18% |
| Iron | 4.8mg | 27% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.