Mediterranean Delight Tortellini Salad
This Mediterranean Delight Tortellini Salad combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, peppery arugula, and savory prosciutto for a refreshing dish that's perfect for any occasion. The al dente tortellini adds a satisfying bite, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese elevate the entire salad. Ideal as a light lunch or as a side dish for your summer gatherings, this salad not only looks fantastic but is bursting with flavors that will transport you straight to the sunny Mediterranean coast.
4
Servings
220
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tortellini
8 ounces (Cook according to package directions until al dente.)
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
4 ounces (Finely chopped.)
Arugula
5 cups (Chopped.)
Onion
1/2 cup (Thinly sliced.)
Prosciutto
3 ounces (Chopped.)
Garlic
2 cloves (Minced.)
Parmigiano or Romano Cheese
1/3 cup (Freshly grated.)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4-1/2 cup (For marinating and dressing.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste.)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground, to taste.)
Instructions
1
Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and allow to cool. Avoid rinsing under water to preserve flavor; you can mix in a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2
While the tortellini cools, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic in a bowl. Drizzle with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Set aside to marinate.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, arugula, thinly sliced onion, chopped prosciutto, and grated cheese.
4
Pour the marinated sun-dried tomato and garlic mixture into the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together until evenly distributed. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Delight Tortellini Salad?
It is a refreshing pasta salad that combines tortellini with sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, prosciutto, and cheese, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include 8 ounces of tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, onion, prosciutto, garlic, and Parmigiano or Romano cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 220 calories.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
While the category is listed as Vegetable, the recipe includes 3 ounces of prosciutto. It can be made vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto.
What is the best way to cook the tortellini?
Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until it is al dente.
Should I rinse the tortellini after cooking?
No, you should avoid rinsing the tortellini under water to preserve the flavor. Instead, mix in a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Combine chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil and let them marinate.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Freshly grated Parmigiano or Romano cheese is recommended for the best flavor.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 18.75g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each serving?
The salad provides 7.5g of protein per serving.
Can I substitute the arugula?
Yes, though arugula provides a peppery bite, you can substitute it with baby spinach or mixed greens if preferred.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of thinly sliced onion.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, involving simple assembly once the pasta is cooked.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Absolutely, it is ideal as both a light lunch or a side dish for summer gatherings.
How should I prep the sun-dried tomatoes?
The sun-dried tomatoes should be finely chopped before being mixed with the garlic and oil.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, as long as it is cooked until al dente according to its specific package instructions.
What is the sodium content?
The exact sodium content is not specified, but the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 3 ounces of prosciutto.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Standard tortellini contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, you would need to use a gluten-free pasta alternative.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, olives, or cucumbers would be excellent additions to this Mediterranean-style salad.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooling?
Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the drained tortellini and toss gently.
What type of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor profile.
How much prosciutto is needed?
You will need 3 ounces of chopped prosciutto.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it requires chilling and stores well, it is a great option for advance preparation.
What is the serving size?
The specific serving size in grams or cups is not specified, but the recipe is divided into 4 equal portions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients.
What category does this salad fall into?
It is categorized under Vegetable dishes.