This easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is tossed with a flavorful (and speedy!) homemade dressing and is sure to vanish quickly at your next party or BBQ!
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep Time 17 minutesminutes
Cook Time 3 minutesminutes
Total Time 20 minutesminutes
Servings 6servings
Calories 348kcal
Author Jenn Laughlin - Peas and Crayons
Ingredients
9-10ozrefrigerated cheese tortellini
1cupdiced bell pepper(any color)
¾cupcherry tomatoes
¼cupchopped turkey pepperoni or salami slices
¼cupsliced red onion(or to taste)
¼cupjarred artichoke hearts(optional)
2TBSPsliced jarred banana peppers
2TBSPfreshly grated parmesan cheese(plus extra to taste)
Cook tortellini via package instructions, approx. 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
Next make the dressing. Combine oil, vinegar, thyme, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Add 2-3 TBSP freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste. Lastly, peel and smash one small-medium clove of garlic. Finely mince and add to the bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside.
For less bite/sharpness in your red onion (but all the tasty flavor) add your sliced red onion to the dressing bowl and allow to marinate while you prep the remaining ingredients. I love doing this!
Slice cherry tomatoes in half and add to the pasta bowl along with diced pepperoni/salami, bell pepper, and banana pepper slices. Drain 1/4 cup jarred artichoke hearts, if using, and roughly chop before adding to the bowl.
Whisk together dressing once more and pour over salad. Toss to combine and season with any additional spices desired, to taste, along with a fresh dusting of parmesan cheese. You can chill the salad first before diving in or dig in right away if preferred! I love it both ways. Enjoy!
Notes
Recipe yields 6 side dish sized portions. I love pairing it with half a sandwich or a homemade veggie burger.Nutrition Facts below are estimated for pasta salad and dressing using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!