Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad

📖 Description:

This easy and vibrant pasta salad features tender cheese tortellini tossed with crisp vegetables, tangy olives, creamy feta, and a zesty homemade Greek vinaigrette. It’s a satisfying twist on traditional Greek salad that eats like a meal!

🌍 Origin:

A fusion dish inspired by the flavors of Greek salad (Horiatiki) and Italian tortellini pasta, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds—Mediterranean freshness with hearty pasta comfort.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6–8):

Salad:

20 oz (about 1½ lb) cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup bell pepper (any color), diced
2 tbsp fresh parsley or oregano, chopped

Greek Dressing:

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

🧂 Optional Add-ins:

½ cup artichoke hearts, chopped
½ avocado, diced (add just before serving)
Grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein
Sun-dried tomatoes for tangy depth

🥣 Instructions:

1. Cook Tortellini:

Boil tortellini according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Dressing:

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and feta.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Add parsley or fresh herbs and gently stir again.

4. Chill:

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

✅ Tips for Success:

Don’t overcook tortellini—they should be tender but not mushy.
Use high-quality feta and olives for authentic flavor.
Let the salad sit a while after tossing for best taste.
Add extra dressing if making ahead, as pasta absorbs it over time.

🌟 Recommendations:

Serve with grilled lamb, chicken souvlaki, or falafel for a full Mediterranean meal.
Store in fridge for up to 3 days — great for meal prep!
Try it with whole wheat or spinach tortellini for variety.