SUMMER CELEBRATION TORTELLINI SALAD
- WineCheeseScallops
- Oct 1, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 3
This Summer Celebration Tortellini Salad is everything you crave in a warm-weather dish—light, fresh, and bursting with flavor! The cheesy tortellini soaks up the zesty red wine vinaigrette, while juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant herbs add the perfect touch of brightness. Whether you're serving it at a backyard barbecue or prepping it for an easy weeknight dinner, this pasta salad will become a go-to favorite. Bonus: it’s even better the next day as the flavors marinate!
"Had this at a recent picnic, absolutely phenomenal! Would definitely recommend this dish!" - Kris Westfall
Grab a fork and dive into this garden-fresh, vibrant salad that's packed with summer’s best ingredients. It’s quick to assemble, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with your favorite grilled proteins, or let it shine solo as a delicious vegetarian option.
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Ingredient Highlights:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The quality of olive oil can make or break this dish. Unlike regular olive oil, extra virgin olive oil is unrefined and has a higher concentration of antioxidants and healthy fats. Its rich, fruity undertones and slightly peppery finish enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad. For this recipe, opt for a premium cold-pressed oil with a robust taste, preferably one sourced from Italy or Greece. It will impart a more pronounced flavor to the vinaigrette, elevating the salad from basic to gourmet. Avoid using light or refined olive oils, as they lack the depth of flavor needed here.
Fresh Basil: Basil adds more than just flavor to this dish. Its natural essential oils and bright green color make the salad not only taste fresher but also look more visually appealing. Basil is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. To maximize its flavor, chop it just before using and avoid overhandling, as bruising the leaves can cause it to lose its aroma. If you have a herb garden, like mine, this is the perfect time to snip some fresh basil straight from the plant, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
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Recipe Origin:
This tortellini salad takes its cues from Italian summer cuisine, where fresh vegetables and herbs reign supreme. Tortellini has a long history, with origins believed to trace back to the region of Bologna. Traditionally filled with a blend of cheese, the stuffed pasta has become a beloved staple worldwide, often served with rich sauces. However, this recipe gives tortellini a summer spin by pairing it with a bright vinaigrette instead of a heavy sauce.
The choice to use a red wine vinaigrette draws from classic Italian dressing styles, where oil and vinegar are used to enhance, not overpower, the ingredients. The red wine vinegar provides acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese filling, while the olive oil adds a luxurious texture to coat the pasta. The inclusion of fresh herbs like basil and parsley is a nod to Italy’s farm-to-table tradition, making this salad a true celebration of seasonal produce.
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Helpful Tips:
Chilling the Salad: The flavors intensify as the salad chills. Prepare it a few hours ahead of time, allowing the tortellini to absorb the vinaigrette. This step is crucial for achieving a well-balanced bite where each component has had time to meld. But be careful not to chill it for too long, as tomatoes and basil can lose their freshness if left overnight.
Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is the obvious choice for this dish, don’t be afraid to experiment. Pecorino Romano would offer a sharper bite, while Grana Padano could bring a milder, creamier texture. You could also add small cubes of mozzarella or sprinkle a bit of feta for a more Mediterranean twist.
Make it a Meal: Want to turn this salad into a main course? Add protein! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even canned tuna would be excellent options. For a vegetarian version, roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu can add texture and protein without overwhelming the dish’s lightness.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container, and if you're planning to eat it over several days, keep the tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan separate and mix them in just before serving. This way, the salad remains fresh without becoming soggy.
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Why This Recipe is the Best:
Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of ripe cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and zesty red wine vinaigrette creates a symphony of summer flavors that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Every bite feels like a celebration of the season.
Balanced and Light: Unlike heavier pasta salads that can weigh you down, this dish strikes the perfect balance between richness and lightness. The olive oil and Parmesan add richness, while the vinaigrette keeps things bright and tangy.
Versatile: This salad is a blank canvas. You can swap out the tortellini for any pasta, add your favorite seasonal vegetables, or even change up the herbs and cheese to suit your palate. It can be dressed up for a fancy gathering or kept simple for a casual dinner at home.
Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it's a picnic, a BBQ, or a potluck, this salad is sure to impress. Not only is it easy to make, but it travels well and tastes even better after a few hours of marinating. Plus, it's vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for a variety of dietary preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The salad actually improves as it sits, meaning you can prepare it in advance without sacrificing flavor. This makes it ideal for meal prep or for entertaining when you need to manage multiple dishes at once.
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Summer Celebration Tortellini Salad
Ingredients:
1 ½ to 1 ¾ lb cheese tortellini
1 ½ lb cherry tomatoes, quartered
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup red wine vinegar
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 cup fresh basil, chopped
½ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
Instructions:
Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, ensuring it's al dente as it will absorb some of the dressing. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the tortellini in a large bowl.
While the tortellini cooks, combine the remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, basil, parsley, and Parmesan in a bowl. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.
Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed.
Pour the dressing over the tortellini and toss gently until well combined.
Cover the salad and chill until ready to serve.
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