Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad

Looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that’s just bursting with flavor? Look no further than Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad! This dish is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and refreshing, with tender cheese-filled tortellini, crisp veggies, and a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dressing. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving something light and satisfying, this pasta salad has got you covered. Plus, it comes together in no time and is always a hit. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Full of Flavor: The combination of feta cheese, olives, and a tangy Greek dressing brings that perfect Mediterranean vibe that everyone will love.
• Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, this salad is a breeze to make.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s one of those dishes that only gets better after a few hours in the fridge, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or serving the next day.
• Customizable: Not a fan of olives? Add some cherry tomatoes instead. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a family gathering, or even a light weeknight dinner, this salad works for just about anything.

Ingredients

• Cheese Tortellini: The star of the dish, these little pasta pillows are stuffed with cheese and add the perfect bite to the salad.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a briny, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing.
• Cucumber: Fresh, crisp cucumber adds a cool crunch to the salad.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion for a touch of sharpness and color.
• Kalamata Olives: Briny and tangy, these olives bring a Mediterranean flair to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy tomatoes add a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
• Olive Oil: The base of the dressing, providing richness and a smooth texture.
• Red Wine Vinegar: For a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the feta and olives.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Greek seasoning that gives the dressing that authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a little kick to the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by cooking your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set aside to drain completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the tortellini is cooling, chop the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the kalamata olives if they’re not already pitted and sliced.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a bit more vinegar or salt can make all the difference!

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, chopped cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Toss everything gently to combine.

Step 5: Add the Feta and Dressing

Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad, then pour the dressing over everything. Toss again to coat the pasta and veggies evenly in the dressing. Be gentle when mixing so you don’t break up the feta too much.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to soak into the tortellini and meld with all the other ingredients.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad chilled, and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite. It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a light, satisfying meal on its own!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 12g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 25%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for tortellini)
• Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad

• As a Side Dish: This salad makes a perfect side for grilled meats, like chicken or lamb, or alongside a fresh pita and hummus.
• As a Light Meal: It’s hearty enough to be a main course, especially on warmer days when you want something fresh and filling.
• With Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or pita on the side for a more satisfying meal.
• For Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it great for meal prep. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving!

Additional Tips

• Make it Vegan: To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or swap it for a plant-based feta alternative.
• Add Protein: For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of spice, add a few red pepper flakes to the dressing or stir in some chopped jalapeños for an extra zing.
• Other Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or olives for more color and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is perfect for making ahead. It actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Q2: Can I use store-bought dressing?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good store-bought Greek dressing will work just fine. However, making your own dressing adds a nice personal touch and allows you to adjust the flavors.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: While tortellini is ideal for this salad, you can use other types of pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle if that’s what you have on hand.

Q4: How long can I store leftovers?
A4: Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q5: Can I add grilled chicken to this salad?
A5: Yes! Grilled chicken would be a great addition if you’re looking for more protein. Simply chop it up and toss it in with the salad.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Yes! While feta is traditional for Greek salads, you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even mozzarella balls.

Q7: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A7: Yes, just swap the regular tortellini for gluten-free tortellini or another gluten-free pasta of your choice.

Q8: Is this salad good for a picnic?
A8: Definitely! It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a picnic or BBQ because it’s easy to transport and tastes great even when served cold.

Q9: Can I add other Mediterranean ingredients?
A9: Yes! Feel free to add ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even a sprinkle of pine nuts for added flavor and texture.

Q10: How do I store the leftover dressing?
A10: If you have any leftover dressing, store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. It can be used for other salads or as a marinade!

Conclusion

Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is everything you want in a pasta salad—light, fresh, full of flavor, and super easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a BBQ, a picnic, or just to have on hand for a quick meal, this dish will always be a winner. With the perfect blend of tender pasta, creamy feta, and zesty veggies, it’s a dish that’s sure to be enjoyed by everyone. Enjoy the Mediterranean goodness in every bite!

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