A refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad, this Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad combines tender cheese tortellini with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and a zesty homemade dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a quick and satisfying meal any time.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini, refrigerated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and bell peppers.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the tortellini mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is a Favorite
Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad stands out because it brings together rich Mediterranean flavors with the comforting texture of cheesy tortellini. It’s a salad that feels indulgent yet fresh, satisfying yet light, making it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions.
Perfect for Any Season
While Greek flavors often evoke summer memories, this salad is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Its colorful ingredients and vibrant taste are just as fitting for a sunny picnic as they are for a cozy winter gathering.
A Great Make-Ahead Option
One of the best things about Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is that it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dish for parties, potlucks, or busy weeknight meals.
Customizable for Any Diet
Whether you’re vegetarian, focusing on a high-protein diet, or just looking to eat a bit healthier, Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is easy to adapt. You can swap out ingredients based on dietary needs without losing the spirit of the dish.
Ideal for Meal Prep
Since it holds up well in the fridge, this salad is an excellent addition to any meal prep plan. You can prepare a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week without it becoming soggy or losing flavor.
Pairs Well with Many Dishes
Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or simple soups. It can be served as a side dish or stand proudly on its own as a main course.
Kid-Friendly Flavors
Despite the boldness of ingredients like Kalamata olives and red onions, the creamy cheese tortellini and familiar vegetables make this salad accessible even for younger or pickier eaters.
Elevates Any Gathering
Bringing Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad to a gathering ensures you’ll impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Its bright colors and fresh flavors are always a hit on any buffet or picnic table.
Easy to Adjust Serving Size
Whether you’re feeding two people or a crowd, this recipe scales up or down with ease. Doubling or halving the ingredients still delivers consistent flavor and texture.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Packed with vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein from cheese, Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad provides a balanced meal. The mix of fresh produce also adds valuable vitamins and antioxidants.
Cost-Effective Meal Option
Most of the ingredients are affordable and readily available, making this a budget-friendly recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or quality.
Inspiration from Mediterranean Cuisine
This salad takes inspiration from traditional Greek flavors like oregano, feta, olives, and lemon. It’s a modern twist that respects the roots of Mediterranean cooking while adding a comforting pasta element.
Perfect for Potlucks and Picnics
Unlike green salads that can wilt or turn soggy, Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad holds up well outdoors. It’s a reliable choice for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, and casual family gatherings.
No Special Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy kitchen tools to make this dish. A pot for boiling tortellini, a knife for chopping vegetables, and a bowl for mixing are all that’s required.
Flavors Improve Over Time
As the salad sits, the dressing soaks into the tortellini and vegetables, creating even richer, more harmonious flavors. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s even better the next day.
Quick to Prepare
Even with chopping and dressing preparation, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those who want a fresh, homemade meal without spending all evening cooking.
Flexible Dressing Options
While the recipe calls for a traditional Greek vinaigrette, you can easily switch it up by adding a bit of Dijon mustard, more lemon juice, or even a splash of balsamic for a different flavor profile.
Appealing Presentation
The colorful mix of red, yellow, green, purple, and white ingredients makes this salad visually striking. A beautiful dish often tastes even better simply because of its inviting presentation.
Minimal Cleanup
Because this is a one-bowl salad after cooking the tortellini, there’s minimal mess involved. Quick preparation and easy cleanup make it an attractive option for busy weeknights.
Ideal for Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad makes for a fantastic lunch the next day. It keeps its flavor and texture well, making it a great option to pack for work or school.
Enhancing the Salad with Protein
For those looking to make the salad more filling, you can easily add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also turn the salad into a complete meal.
Conclusion
Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and convenience. Its bold Mediterranean elements combined with soft, cheesy tortellini offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a main dish, a vibrant side, or a crowd-pleasing potluck addition, this salad is sure to deliver. Easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and consistently delicious, it deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation.