Tangy Tortellini Salad

This Tangy Tortellini Salad is a delightful twist on traditional pasta salads, perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. The dish combines tender, cheese-filled tortellini with savory cubes of ham and smoked turkey, creating a hearty protein base. Fresh frozen peas and crisp red bell peppers add pops of color and texture, while the dressing&# 226;ÂÂmade from extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlicÃ¢ÂÂties everything together with a bright, tangy kick. ItÃ¢ÂÂs satisfyingly creamy yet light enough to enjoy as a main course. The flavors meld beautifully as the salad chills, making it an excellent make-ahead option for potlucks or family meals.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Courses: Salads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 851.9

Dietary: Gluten-free

Description

This Tangy Tortellini Salad is a delightful twist on traditional pasta salads, perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. The dish combines tender, cheese-filled tortellini with savory cubes of ham and smoked turkey, creating a hearty protein base. Fresh frozen peas and crisp red bell peppers add pops of color and texture, while the dressing&# 226;ÂÂmade from extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlicÃ¢ÂÂties everything together with a bright, tangy kick. ItÃ¢ÂÂs satisfyingly creamy yet light enough to enjoy as a main course. The flavors meld beautifully as the salad chills, making it an excellent make-ahead option for potlucks or family meals.

Ingredients

1 pound Cheese filled tortellini
1/3 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
2 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
1 cloves Garlic; minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 pound Ham; cubed
1/2 pound Smoked turkey; cubed
1 cup Frozen peas; defrosted
1 lg Red bell pepper; cut in thin

Directions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese-filled tortellini according to package directions until al dente.
2
Drain the tortellini and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process, then drain well.
3
In a large bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4
Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.
5
Fold in the cubed ham, cubed smoked turkey, defrosted frozen peas, and thin-cut red bell pepper.
6
Toss everything together until well combined and serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 851.9kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 62.1g96%
Saturated Fat 27.6g138%
Cholesterol 165.1mg56%
Sodium 2376.0mg99%
Total Carbohydrate 23.0g8%
Dietary Fiber 4.7g19%
Sugars 7.4g
Protein 42.6g86%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after chilling, allowing the ingredients to meld.

Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute the ham and turkey with chicken breast, salami, or prosciutto for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or artichoke hearts.

Tips: Ensure the tortellini is thoroughly drained and cooled before dressing to prevent the salad from becoming watery. If using fresh peas, blanch them for 2 minutes and shock in ice water before adding to maintain crunch and color.

Variations: Add a handful of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or mint for a fresher taste. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before serving adds a nice salty finish.

Keywords: tortellini, salad, cold, pasta, ham, turkey, peas, bell pepper, vinaigrette, dijon, garlic, cheese, mediterranean, easy, weeknight, potluck, make-ahead, protein, vegetables, vinegar

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/tangy-tortellini-salad/