Savory Spinach Tortellini Salad with Lively Sesame Dressing
This Savory Spinach Tortellini Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that celebrates the freshness of spinach and the richness of cheese-filled tortellini. The combination of bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onion adds a vibrant crunch, while the homemade sesame dressing introduces a nutty aroma and zesty brightness that lingers on the palate. Perfect as a main dish or a side salad, this recipe is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile, making it an excellent choice for gatherings, lunchboxes, or a refreshing summer meal. Each bite is a little burst of flavor, making this salad a memorable experience for any salad lover.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1/3 cup
Toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Tamari soy sauce
1 teaspoon
Garlic cloves, minced
2
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Ground black pepper
to taste
Frozen cheese tortellini
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
Bell pepper (yellow, orange or red)
1 (cut into thin strips)
Tomato
1 (diced)
Slivered red onion
1/3 cup
Toasted sesame seeds
2 teaspoons (see note)
Fresh spinach
4 cups (washed, dried and torn into small pieces)
Instructions
1
In a small jar or bowl, combine the vegetable oil, toasted sesame oil, lemon juice, tamari soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk until well blended to create the dressing.
2
Cook the frozen cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, ensuring not to overcook. Once cooked, drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
3
Add the bell pepper strips, diced tomato, and slivered red onion to the tortellini. Pour half of the prepared dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to combine.
4
Cover the mixture and let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours. If refrigerating longer than 1 hour, bring it back to room temperature before serving.
5
Before serving, stir in the fresh spinach to the tortellini mixture until well mixed. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and gently toss again.
6
Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and give it one last toss to incorporate. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spinach Tortellini Salad?
This salad is a fusion of cheese-filled tortellini, fresh spinach, and vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty sesame dressing.
What type of tortellini is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of frozen cheese tortellini, cooked according to the package directions.
How do I make the sesame dressing?
Combine vegetable oil, toasted sesame oil, lemon juice, tamari soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small jar or bowl and whisk until blended.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, you can substitute tamari with regular soy sauce if you do not have a preference for gluten-free ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes thin strips of bell pepper, diced tomato, slivered red onion, and fresh spinach.
How long should the salad marinate?
The mixture should marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
When should I add the fresh spinach?
Stir in the fresh spinach just before serving to ensure it stays fresh and does not wilt too much.
How should I prepare the spinach?
The spinach should be washed, dried, and torn into small pieces before being added to the mixture.
What is the final garnish for this dish?
The final garnish is a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, which adds a nutty crunch to the salad.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses cheese-filled tortellini and plant-based vegetables.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tortellini and vegetable base up to 8 hours in advance, adding the spinach and final dressing just before serving.
What type of bell peppers can I use?
You can use yellow, orange, or red bell peppers for color and sweetness.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of fresh spinach.
What is the base oil for the dressing?
The base is a combination of 1/3 cup vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil.
Should I serve this salad cold or at room temperature?
It can be served immediately at room temperature, but if it has been refrigerated, it is best to let it come back to room temperature before serving.
How do I prepare the red onion?
The red onion should be slivered, using about 1/3 cup for the salad.
How much garlic is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used; just ensure you adjust the cooking time as fresh pasta cooks much faster than frozen.
What makes the dressing 'lively'?
The 'lively' nature comes from the zesty brightness of the lemon juice combined with the savory tamari and garlic.
How much toasted sesame seeds are needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds.
Is there any specific cooking advice for the tortellini?
It is important not to overcook the tortellini to maintain a firm texture in the salad.
How much lemon juice is used?
The dressing requires 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
While lemon is recommended, lime juice can be used as a substitute for a slightly different citrus flavor profile.
What is the role of tamari in the recipe?
Tamari provides a rich, savory umami flavor to the dressing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this salad suitable for lunchboxes?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for lunchboxes as it holds up well and can be eaten at room temperature.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes, you can easily add protein like grilled chicken or tofu to make it a more substantial main dish.
What type of tomato should I use?
One large diced tomato of any variety works well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, though the spinach may wilt over time.