This Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is a colorful and tasty dish, packed with plump tortellini, fresh veggies, and zesty olives. It’s like a party in a bowl!
Perfect for picnics or quick lunches, this salad is super easy to whip up. I love how you can add your favorite toppings, making it unique every time. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: You can use fresh or frozen tortellini. For a lower-carb option, consider using zucchini noodles or whole grain pasta instead. I love a bit of variety, so sometimes I pick tortellini with different fillings like spinach or cheese for extra flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of color and freshness. If they’re not in season, you could use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Roasting them beforehand gives a different depth of flavor, which I also enjoy!
Kalamata Olives: Their briny taste is key to the salad. If you can’t find these, green olives or black olives can work too. Just remember, green olives tend to be a bit more tangy, which can change the flavor slightly.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds creaminess and tang. If you’re lactose intolerant, try a dairy-free feta or crumble some tofu that’s been marinated to give it a similar flavor profile. I sometimes swap in goat cheese for a richer taste.
Red Onion: For a milder flavor, soak diced onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding to the salad. Sweet onions, like Vidalia, can work if you’re sensitive to the sharper taste. They’re a great alternative for a sweeter bite!
How Do I Prepare the Perfect Dressing for My Pasta Salad?
The dressing really ties everything together, so getting it right is essential. Start with high-quality olive oil for a rich flavor. Here’s a simple way to prepare it:
- In a small bowl, add the olive oil and red wine vinegar, which gives a nice tang. Adjust the vinegar to your taste!
- Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Dried herbs work well here but feel free to use fresh if you have them.
- Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This method helps to emulsify the dressing!
When pouring over the salad, do it gradually, tossing gently to avoid crushing the tortellini and veggies. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little squeeze of lemon can brighten it up too!
How to Make Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to chill. It’s a quick and tasty dish, perfect for enjoying at home or bringing to a gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Begin by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or slightly longer for frozen. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, halved kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Use a large spoon to gently mix all the ingredients together so they are well distributed.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well blended. This will create a tasty dressing that adds flavor to your salad.
4. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the tortellini salad mixture and toss gently. Make sure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing, giving it a lovely flavor.
5. Garnish and Chill:
Before serving, sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. It’s best to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy!
Now your delicious Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for parties, picnics, or as a light meal.
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Tortellini?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini for a healthier option or dietary need. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since it may vary from traditional tortellini, so follow the package instructions for best results.
How to Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier! Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to customize this salad with additional vegetables like bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix them in with the other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
No problem! If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile but will work just fine in the dressing.
