Summer Tortellini Salad
A delightful salad capturing warm weather vibes with creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and herby undertones, perfect for picnics or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 9 oz package cheese tortellini Use fresh or store-bought.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil High-quality olive oil recommended.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cooking the Tortellini
- Cook the tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, typically about 3-5 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Preparing the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, black olives, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh basil.
Dressing the Salad
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- If time allows, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas. For a vegan option, substitute tofu or tempeh for cheese.