Description
For the Salad:
12 oz cheese tortellini
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
For the Lemon Dill Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions:
Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh dill.
Pour the lemon dill dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy this bright and refreshing pasta salad!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 380 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Begin by cooking the 12 oz of cheese tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water, following the package directions for al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse immediately under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta, which is essential for a pasta salad.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables. Slice the roasted red peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh dill and crumble the feta cheese if needed. Place all these ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
3. For the dressing, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, one minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth.
4. Add the cooled, rinsed tortellini to the large bowl with the prepared vegetables, feta, and dill. Pour the freshly made Lemon Dill Dressing over the top.
5. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. For best results, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors combine.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant Tortellini Salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a standout main dish for a light lunch, or as a substantial side at your next barbecue or potluck. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or lemon-herb shrimp. For a complete summer spread, serve alongside crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad.
How-to Summary
Cook and cool tortellini. Chop vegetables and prepare dressing. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, toss with dressing, and chill before serving for optimal flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance. For the best texture, add the dressing 1-2 hours before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Regular pasta shells, farfalle, or even gnocchi work well, though cheese tortellini adds wonderful flavor and texture.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld.
Is there a substitute for fresh dill? While fresh is best, you can use 2 teaspoons of dried dill. Add it directly to the dressing to allow it to rehydrate.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? This recipe is vegetarian as written. Ensure your tortellini and feta cheese are made with vegetarian rennet if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid serving the salad warm; rinsing the tortellini in cold water is crucial. Do not skip the chilling time, as it allows the pasta to absorb the dressing. Be careful not to over-dress the salad; start with 3/4 of the dressing, toss, and add more if needed. Using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh will result in a less bright, vibrant flavor.
Conclusion
This Lemon Dill Tortellini Salad is the perfect combination of ease and elegance. With its creamy cheese filling, crisp vegetables, and zesty homemade dressing, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your warm-weather rotation.
