Chilled Mediterranean Tortellini Salad
This Chilled Mediterranean Tortellini Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals. The mix of tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a zesty garlic-olive oil dressing creates a refreshing and satisfying dish that is hardly spicy but packs a punch in taste. It's a balanced medley of textures and colors that pleases both the eyes and the palate. Whether served as a side or a main course, this salad can be prepared in under 15 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks seeking to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cheese tortellini
18 ounces (cooked and chilled)
olive oil
1/3 cup (warmed)
garlic cloves
4 large (finely chopped)
red wine vinegar
1/3 cup (whisked in)
tomatoes
2 medium (chopped)
broccoli florets
2 cups (fresh)
green bell pepper
1 large (chopped (can substitute with red for color))
ripe olives
1/2 cup (pitted and halved)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly shredded)
Romano cheese
1/4 cup (freshly shredded)
Instructions
1
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and chill under cool running water. Set aside.
2
In a small saucepan over medium heat, gently heat the olive oil until just warmed, about 2–3 minutes. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3
Remove from heat and let the oil cool slightly. Then, whisk in the red wine vinegar until well combined.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, chopped tomatoes, broccoli florets, bell pepper, and olives.
5
Pour the garlic-olive oil dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
6
Sprinkle the freshly shredded Parmesan and Romano cheese over the salad, and toss again gently.
7
You can serve immediately or allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main component of the Chilled Mediterranean Tortellini Salad?
The main component of this salad is 18 ounces of cheese tortellini.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe can be prepared in under 15 minutes.
What type of oil is used for the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/3 cup of olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
1/3 cup of red wine vinegar is used for the dressing.
Are the broccoli florets cooked or fresh?
The recipe uses 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets.
Can I substitute the green bell pepper?
Yes, you can substitute the green bell pepper with a red one for extra color.
What kind of olives are included?
The salad includes 1/2 cup of ripe olives, pitted and halved.
What two types of cheese are added to the salad?
The salad features freshly shredded Parmesan and Romano cheeses.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.
How much Romano cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly shredded Romano cheese.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a chilled salad, served cold.
How do you cool the tortellini after boiling?
Drain the tortellini and chill them under cool running water.
How long should the garlic be sauteed?
Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it is fragrant but not browned.
Should the salad be chilled before serving?
You can serve it immediately or allow it to chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is described as hardly spicy but very flavorful.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
How many tomatoes are used?
Two medium tomatoes, chopped, are used in the salad.
Is this dish suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a side dish or a main course.
What is the first step in making the dressing?
Gently heat the olive oil in a small saucepan for 2 to 3 minutes.
When should the vinegar be added to the dressing?
Whisk in the vinegar after the oil and garlic have been removed from the heat and cooled slightly.
How are the vegetables combined with the pasta?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tortellini, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, and olives before adding the dressing.
What is the preparation for the bell pepper?
The green bell pepper should be chopped.
How do you ensure all ingredients are flavored?
Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is well coated.
Are the olives whole or cut?
The olives should be pitted and halved.
Is the broccoli supposed to be chopped?
The recipe specifies using broccoli florets.
How many ounces of tortellini are in one batch?
One batch uses 18 ounces of cheese tortellini.
What is the recommended cooking method for the pasta?
Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions.
Is the cheese added before or after the dressing?
The cheese is sprinkled over the salad after it has been tossed with the dressing.