Emilia-Romagna Tortellini Salad
Cheese tortellini gets tossed with crisp vegetables, olives, and a bright Italian-style vinaigrette in this fast, filling pasta salad. It pulls from the bold flavors of Emilia-Romagna — cured meats, aged cheese, and well-seasoned pasta — and comes together in about 30 minutes. Serve it as a main or a hearty side.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini preferably fresh or refrigerated
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved, use organic if possible
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 large red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup baby spinach washed and dried
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil high quality
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar preferably aged
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- ½ tsp ground black pepper freshly cracked
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shaved
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the tortellini cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and wash the baby spinach.
- Drain and Cool Tortellini: Once cooked, drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Assemble the Salad: To the bowl with tortellini, add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and baby spinach.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Dress and Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring the tortellini and vegetables are well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the salad, and garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the vegetables in the dressing for 10 minutes before mixing with the tortellini.
- Consider using whole wheat or spinach tortellini for added nutrition.
Nutrition
Calories: 447kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 17gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 1069mgPotassium: 361mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 2434IUVitamin C: 73mgCalcium: 229mgIron: 4mg
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