Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Tortellini Salad with Crispy Bacon
This hearty and satisfying salad combines the rich flavors of cheese tortellini with crisp broccoli, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all brought together with a tangy coleslaw dressing. The addition of turkey bacon not only enhances the dish with a savory crunch but also lightens it up for a healthier twist. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a main dish at a summer gathering. It’s best served chilled, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weekdays or picnics. Allow time for chilling to meld the flavors together, and enjoy a burst of freshness in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen cheese tortellini
2 bags (19 ounces each, cooked according to package directions)
Broccoli florets
4 cups (fresh or thawed)
Cherry tomatoes
2 cups (cut in half or whole grape tomatoes)
Chopped fresh chives or green onions
2 tablespoons (freshly chopped)
Coleslaw dressing
1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Turkey bacon
1 lb (cooked and crumbled)
Sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (raw or roasted)
Salt
to taste (seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by preparing the tortellini according to the package directions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped chives or green onions.
3
3. Pour the coleslaw dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is well coated.
4
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and enhance.
5
5. Just before serving, add the crumbled bacon and sunflower seeds to the chilled salad and gently stir to combine without breaking the tortellini.
6
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper, giving it one final gentle mix before serving cold.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Tortellini Salad?
It is a hearty and satisfying cold pasta salad that combines cheese tortellini, fresh broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy sunflower seeds with a tangy coleslaw dressing and crispy turkey bacon.
What kind of tortellini is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 19-ounce bags of frozen cheese tortellini, cooked according to the package directions until al dente.
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tortellini. Just be sure to cook it according to the fresh pasta directions and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
How should I prepare the broccoli?
You should use 4 cups of broccoli florets. These can be fresh or thawed from frozen, depending on your preference for texture.
Why do I need to rinse the tortellini under cold water?
Rinsing the cooked tortellini under cold water cools it down quickly, prevents it from overcooking, and keeps the pasta from sticking together.
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely. While turkey bacon is used for a lighter version, regular pork bacon can be used for a richer, more traditional flavor.
What type of tomatoes work best for this salad?
Cherry tomatoes cut in half are recommended, but whole grape tomatoes also work very well.
Can I substitute the coleslaw dressing?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade coleslaw dressing. If you prefer a different flavor, a creamy poppy seed dressing would also pair nicely.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Why should I add the bacon and sunflower seeds just before serving?
Adding these ingredients last ensures that the bacon stays crispy and the sunflower seeds remain crunchy rather than becoming soft from the dressing.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This recipe is designed to be served cold, making it perfect for summer gatherings and picnics.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this is an ideal make-ahead meal. You can prepare the base salad a day in advance and simply add the bacon and seeds right before you eat.
What can I substitute for sunflower seeds?
If you do not have sunflower seeds, you can use slivered almonds, toasted walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
Can I use green onions instead of chives?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives or green onions.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
The recipe includes fresh vegetables and uses turkey bacon to lighten it up, making it a healthier alternative to traditional heavy pasta salads.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While specific serving counts vary, using 38 ounces of tortellini and 4 cups of broccoli makes a large batch suitable for a family meal or a party.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, shredded carrots, diced red peppers, or even peas would make great additions to this versatile salad.
Should the sunflower seeds be raw or roasted?
You can use either raw or roasted sunflower seeds, though roasted seeds provide a deeper, nuttier flavor.
How do I prevent the tortellini from breaking?
When mixing the salad, toss the ingredients gently and ensure the tortellini is cooked only to 'al dente' so it remains firm enough to handle stirring.
What is the best way to cook the turkey bacon?
Turkey bacon can be pan-fried or baked in the oven until it reaches your desired level of crispiness before being crumbled.
Can I store leftovers of this salad?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
Does this salad work as a main dish?
Yes, because it contains protein from the cheese and bacon along with pasta and vegetables, it is hearty enough to be a standalone main dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the turkey bacon or replace it with a plant-based bacon alternative.
What if I don't have fresh broccoli?
You can use frozen broccoli, but ensure it is fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before adding it to the salad.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While tortellini is the star of this dish, you could use ravioli or even a sturdy pasta shape like rotini if needed.
How do I season the salad?
The final step is to season with salt and pepper to taste; give it one final gentle mix before serving.
Can I freeze the finished salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables will change texture significantly upon thawing.
What size are the bags of tortellini?
The recipe specifies two bags that are 19 ounces each.
Is this a good recipe for a potluck?
Yes, it is an excellent potluck dish because it is easy to transport and tastes better after sitting in the fridge.
What does 'al dente' mean for tortellini?
It means the pasta should be cooked until it is tender but still firm to the bite, which helps it hold its shape in the salad.