This Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is a colorful and tasty dish with pasta, veggies, olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s a super fun way to enjoy a salad!
I love whipping this up for lunch or picnics. It tastes even better the next day, so make enough to share—or not! 😉 You know you’ll want to keep it all for yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Tortellini: The star of the salad! I recommend using fresh tortellini if available for the best texture. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free tortellini or even use chickpea pasta as a fun twist!
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness adds flavor. If you don’t have them, diced regular tomatoes work too. For an extra twist, try sun-dried tomatoes for a bolder taste!
Cucumber: The crunch is essential! If you want something with a bit more flavor, consider using a bell pepper instead. Also, slicing them thinly ensures they mix well with the other ingredients.
Kalamata Olives: These add a briny taste. If they’re not your favorite, green olives or even capers can be a nice swap. Just be mindful of the saltiness!
Feta Cheese: I love the creaminess of feta. If you want a lighter option, crumbled goat cheese works nicely too, and offers a different tangy flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Combine All the Ingredients?
Mixing the ingredients properly is key for flavor and texture! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Ensure your tortellini is completely cooled and drained. Rinsing under cold water helps stop the cooking process.
- When combining the fresh ingredients, start with the tortellini in a large bowl and layer the veggies on top. This way, they mix in without squishing.
- For the dressing, whisk the olive oil and vinegar together until smooth. Adding oregano, salt, and pepper last keeps the flavor bright and fresh.
- Toss the salad gently. Use a spatula to lift and fold the ingredients rather than stirring too hard, which could break the pasta or vegetables.
- Let it chill! This is crucial as it allows the ingredients to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
How to Make Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook the tortellini. After that, you’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. So, plan for about 55 minutes total before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by boiling some water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling, throw in your cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes, until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse them under cold water to cool them down quickly. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Veggies and Cheese:
While your tortellini is cooling, take some time to prepare your vegetables and cheese. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber. If you haven’t already, slice the Kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese. Finely chop the red onion and fresh parsley. Once everything is ready, add these ingredients to the bowl with the cooled tortellini.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is going to bring all the flavors together, so make sure it’s well mixed!
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring the salad together! Pour the dressing over the tortellini and veggie mix in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are coated nicely in the dressing.
5. Adjust and Chill:
Give your salad a taste and see if it needs any extra salt or pepper. Once it’s perfectly seasoned, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
After chilling, your Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature. It’s a perfect side dish for gatherings or just a delightful meal on its own. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Regular Pasta Instead of Tortellini?
Absolutely! You can substitute cheese tortellini with any favorite pasta shape, such as fusilli or penne. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time and make sure to rinse it after cooking to cool it down before adding it to the salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
No problem! Simply omit the cheese or replace the feta with a plant-based feta alternative. You can also boost the flavor by adding more olives or capers for that salty kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from soaking up too much dressing, consider adding the dressing only to the portion you plan to eat right away, and reserve the rest for later.
What Else Can I Add to This Salad?
This salad is super versatile! Feel free to add bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. Just ensure the additional ingredients complement the Mediterranean flavors for the best results!
