Description
For the Salad:
12 oz cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled
1 ripe avocado, diced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
For the Zesty Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp lime zest
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
Directions:
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked and cooled tortellini, diced avocado, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, chopped herbs, and
toasted pine nuts.
Toss & Serve: Drizzle the zesty dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all .
Chill & Enjoy: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 480 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect salad every time. First, cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. While the pasta cools, prepare your ingredients: dice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, chop the herbs, and toast the pine nuts in a dry pan until golden. For the dressing, combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk vigorously until fully emulsified. In your large serving bowl, gently combine all the salad ingredients. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss carefully to coat everything evenly without breaking the tortellini or avocado. Finally, cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad is excellent as a standalone lunch or a vibrant side dish. For a heartier meal, top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or flaked salmon. It pairs beautifully with a simple grilled protein like lemon-herb chicken or alongside a bowl of soup. To make it a perfect picnic or potluck offering, transport the dressing separately and toss just before serving to maintain the best texture. Serve on a bed of fresh arugula or spinach for an extra boost of greens.
How-to Summary
In short: Cook and cool tortellini. Whisk dressing ingredients. Combine all salad components in a bowl. Toss with dressing. Chill briefly and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can prep components ahead, but for best results, assemble and dress the salad no more than 2-3 hours before serving to prevent the avocado from browning and the tortellini from becoming soggy.
What can I use instead of pine nuts? Toasted slivered almonds, chopped walnuts, or sunflower seeds make excellent, more affordable substitutes for pine nuts.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese? Crumbled goat cheese (chèvre) or fresh mozzarella pearls would work well. For a dairy-free version, use a vegan feta alternative or omit it.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning? Toss the diced avocado in a little of the lime juice from the dressing recipe before adding it to the salad. The acid helps slow oxidation.
Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely. Cheese ravioli, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or even a sturdy grain like quinoa or couscous can be used in place of tortellini.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding dressing to hot pasta: Always ensure the tortellini is completely cooled, or it will absorb all the dressing and become gummy.
- Over-toasting the pine nuts: They burn quickly. Toast over medium-low heat, shaking the pan constantly, until just fragrant and lightly golden.
- Not emulsifying the dressing: Whisk the dressing vigorously until it’s fully combined and slightly thickened. A jar with a lid is great for this.
- Skipping the chilling time: The 10-15 minute rest is crucial for the flavors to meld properly.
Conclusion
This Avocado Feta Tortellini Salad is a celebration of fresh, zesty flavors and satisfying textures, all coming together in about 20 minutes. It’s a reliably delicious recipe that is easily adaptable to your preferences and pantry. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a stunning dish perfect for any occasion, from a quick family dinner to your next gathering. Enjoy the vibrant combination of creamy avocado, salty feta, and the bright lime dressing.
