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As the weather warms and outdoor gatherings become a staple, a dish that effortlessly combines flavor, nutrition, and vibrant colors is essential for any occasion. Enter the Refreshing Tortellini Delight—a delightful tortellini salad that is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or light weeknight dinners. This dish artfully balances the rich and savory notes of cheese-filled tortellini with the crispness of fresh vegetables, creating a refreshing experience that tantalizes the taste buds.

Easy Cold Tortellini Salad

Discover the vibrant Refreshing Tortellini Delight, the perfect salad for summer gatherings and picnics! This dish combines the rich flavor of cheese-filled tortellini with crisp fresh vegetables, making it a colorful and nutritious choice for any meal. Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, it caters to various dietary preferences. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this salad promises to impress with its delicious taste and appealing presentation. Enjoy crafting your own delightful creation!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1 cup mozzarella balls, halved or diced

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or slightly longer for frozen. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Set aside.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the tortellini is cooking, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes in half, peel and dice the cucumber, remove the seeds and dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and slice the black olives. Place all the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

      Combine Ingredients: Once the tortellini has cooled to room temperature, add it to the bowl containing the mixed vegetables. Gently fold in the halved or diced mozzarella balls and the freshly chopped basil leaves.

        Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

            Chill & Serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve the salad cold for a refreshing dish, and enjoy the delightful blend of textures and flavors!

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves on top for an attractive finish. You can also drizzle a little extra balsamic vinegar over the top before serving for added flavor.