Easy Tuscan Tortellini Salad (Under 20 mins!)

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Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that captures the essence of Italy’s sun-kissed Tuscan region.

This colorful and flavorful pasta salad combines tender cheese tortellini with a vibrant medley of halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, fragrant basil, pitted Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Tossed in a luscious dressing made with mayonnaise, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, this pasta salad is a true crowd-pleaser.

Simple and Fresh Ingredients:

1. Cheese Tortellini. Any will do!
2. Cherry Tomatoes
3. Fresh Spinach
4. Fresh Basil
5. Pitted Kalamata olives
6. Sun-dried Tomatoes
7. Mayonnaise
8. Minced garlic
9. Balsamic Vinegar
10. Olive oil
11. Italian seasoning
12. Salt & Pepper

Instructions:

1. Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set it aside.

2. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, a pinch of salt, a dash of freshly ground black pepper, minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a creamy and well-incorporated dressing.

3. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the fresh spinach, basil, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Combine these vibrant ingredients with the dressing in the large bowl, mixing well.

4. Add in the cooked pasta and gently toss until everything is evenly coated and serve!

How do you store this Tuscan Tortellini Salad?

Easy! This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume it within 24 hours of preparation.

What this Tuscan Tortellini Salad Pairs Well With:

1. Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside succulent grilled chicken breasts or thighs for a hearty and protein-packed meal. Try my Greek Chicken Marinade!
2. Crusty Bread: Accompany the salad with slices of crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks to mop up any extra dressing.
3. Fresh Fish: Include the pasta salad along side my Salmon Pinwheel Recipe!

Variations and Substitutes:

1. Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp, diced salami, or try this with a beef tortellini for an extra protein boost.
2. Veggie Variations: Include artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or grilled zucchini for additional texture and flavor.
3. Dressing Alternatives: For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
4. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the salad to add a delightful nutty crunch.

Embrace the Tuscan spirit, experiment with variations, and enjoy this exquisite pasta salad alongside your favorite grilled proteins or as part of an Italian-themed feast.

With its colorful presentation and mouthwatering taste, this Tuscan Tortellini Salad will undoubtedly become a staple in your culinary repertoire!