Mediterranean Tortellini Salad with Artichokes & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This vibrant Mediterranean Tortellini Salad features fresh cheese tortellini combined with tender artichoke hearts, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of fresh vegetables. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, this dish is not only delicious but also a perfect make-ahead option for gatherings or picnics. Inspired by the bright flavors of summer, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing, hearty dish that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh cheese tortellini
20 ounces (cooked until al dente and rinsed)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
Red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Dried basil
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Chopped celery
2 cups (none)
Water-packed artichoke hearts
13 3/4 ounces (drained and chopped)
Chopped green onion
3/4 cup (none)
Drained sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
Kalamata olives or other brine-cured black olives
1/2 cup (pitted and coarsely chopped)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, basil, and minced garlic until well combined and smooth.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, drained and chopped artichokes, green onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Pour 3/4 cup of the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4
Add the cooled tortellini and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the vegetable mixture. Gently toss until all ingredients are well incorporated. If you prefer a creamier salad, add more dressing by the 1/4 cup as needed.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
6
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For optimal taste, it can be made a day in advance.
7
Serve the pasta salad cold or at room temperature, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main component of the Mediterranean Tortellini Salad?
The main component is 20 ounces of fresh cheese tortellini, cooked until al dente and rinsed under cold water.
Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Yes, this salad is an excellent make-ahead option and can be prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
What type of artichokes are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 13 3/4 ounces of water-packed artichoke hearts, which should be drained and chopped.
Is the Mediterranean Tortellini Salad vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses cheese tortellini and fresh vegetables.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure the flavors are well combined.
What ingredients are used in the creamy dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic, and dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of drained sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, coarsely chopped for the best flavor and texture.
Can I serve this dish at room temperature?
Yes, you can serve the Mediterranean Tortellini Salad either cold or at room temperature.
How do I prepare the tortellini for this salad?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
What type of olives are suggested for this salad?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of pitted and coarsely chopped Kalamata olives or other brine-cured black olives.
What should I do if the salad seems dry after adding the tortellini?
If you prefer a creamier salad or it seems dry, you can add more of the prepared dressing in 1/4 cup increments as needed.
What kind of cheese is added to the salad?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish if desired.
How much celery is included in the recipe?
The salad contains 2 cups of chopped celery, which adds a nice crunch to the dish.
What dried herbs are included in the Mediterranean dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried basil.
Is there sugar in the dressing recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sugar is included in the dressing to balance the acidity of the vinegar and mustard.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires one minced garlic clove for the dressing.
What provides the tangy flavor in the dressing?
The tanginess comes from a combination of red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard.
How are the green onions prepared?
You should use 3/4 cup of chopped green onions for this recipe.
Should I rinse the tortellini after cooking?
Yes, rinsing the tortellini under cold water after draining helps cool them down and prevents them from overcooking or sticking.
What is the recommended serving style?
It is recommended to serve the salad garnished with additional Parmesan cheese.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish offers a balance of creamy, tangy, and bright Mediterranean flavors with a mix of fresh and brined ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 specific ingredients listed for this Mediterranean Tortellini Salad.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While the recipe is designed for cheese tortellini, you could substitute other pasta, though the flavor and texture profile will change.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer picnic?
Yes, its ability to be served at room temperature and the refreshing vegetable mix make it perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The dressing uses 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, you should taste the final mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
How should the artichoke hearts be chopped?
They should be drained and chopped into bite-sized pieces to blend well with the tortellini.
What is the first step in assembling the salad?
The first step is cooking the tortellini in salted water until al dente.
Are the sun-dried tomatoes drained?
Yes, the sun-dried tomatoes should be drained of their oil before being coarsely chopped and added to the salad.