This Easy Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is a colorful dish that mixes tasty tortellini with fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers. Toss in some olives and feta cheese for a delightful touch!
I love how quick this salad is to whip together. It’s perfect for lunch or as a side at a barbecue. Plus, who can resist creamy tortellini? It’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is essential for this salad. You can use fresh or frozen. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free pasta or even chickpea-based tortellini.
Vegetables: Grape or cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. If they’re not in season, use diced regular tomatoes. For cucumbers, any variety works, but I prefer English cucumbers for their mild flavor and fewer seeds.
Kalamata Olives: These bring a salty flavor. If you’re not a fan, green olives can also work as a substitute, or skip them entirely for a milder salad.
Feta Cheese: Feta provides creaminess and tang. If dairy is a concern, look for vegan feta alternatives. You can also use goat cheese, which offers a different but delightful taste.
Red Onion: This ingredient is optional, but it adds a nice crunch and flavor. If red onion is too strong for you, green onions or chives can be a good alternative.
How Do I Properly Cook Tortellini?
Cooking tortellini seems easy, but there are a few tips to get it just right:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. This is key for flavor.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, generally 3-5 minutes if fresh and around 8-12 for frozen.
- To ensure they’re al dente (firm yet tender), taste them a minute before the time is up. Don’t overcook, or they’ll get mushy!
- After draining, rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool them down. This keeps them from clumping together.
Following these steps will help keep your tortellini perfect for your pasta salad!
Easy Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before it’s ready to enjoy! Perfect for a quick lunch or a delicious side dish at dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Tortellini:
Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes for fresh tortellini and around 8 to 12 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse them under cold water. This step cools them down and stops the cooking process. Drain them well to remove any excess water.
2. Combining Fresh Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and Kalamata olives. If you’re using red onion, toss that in too. The colors are fantastic, and the fresh veggies add great crunch and flavor!
3. Adding Feta Cheese:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. This will bring a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
4. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This dressing will elevate the flavors of your salad and bring everything together.
5. Tossing the Salad:
Pour the dressing over your salad and gently toss all the ingredients together. Make sure everything is well combined and coated with the dressing for maximum flavor!
6. Chill and Serve:
For the best taste, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once it’s chilled, you can serve it as a light meal or a delicious side dish. You can enjoy it straight from the fridge or at room temperature—either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Enjoy this refreshed and vibrant Greek-inspired tortellini salad! Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Salad?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions, and be sure to drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down before mixing it into the salad.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative. You can also replace cheese tortellini with a vegan pasta option to keep it entirely vegan-friendly.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover tortellini salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your salad with other vegetables! Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts are great additions that complement the existing flavors beautifully.
