Oh, summer! That glorious season where everything feels vibrant and alive. The sun shines a little brighter, the air smells a bit sweeter, and life seems to slow down just enough for us to enjoy it. I have fond memories of summer evenings spent in my backyard, the grill sizzling, and friends gathered around, laughing and sharing stories over a delicious meal. One dish that always finds its way to my table during these warm months is my Meaty Tortellini Salad. I can’t tell you how much I adore this dish! It’s the epitome of a summer pasta salad—hearty, colorful, and just downright comforting. This recipe is perfect for those laid-back afternoons when you want to make something satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Toss it together in just 30 minutes!
• Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank!
• Comforting Flavors: Savory meats and creamy pasta make it so satisfying.
• Addictively Delicious: Everyone will be going back for seconds!

Ingredients

Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful Meaty Tortellini Salad:

• 12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cooked and diced rotisserie chicken (or any cooked meat of your choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, diced (I love using red for sweetness!)
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ¾ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional, but trust me, it adds a lovely touch!)

Helpful Tip: Fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered; if you are a garlic lover, feel free to add a teaspoon of minced fresh garlic for an extra kick!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking this salad is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how to make your summer BBQ the talk of the town:

1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until they’re al dente. You want them to have a slight bite—nobody likes mushy pasta!
2. Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the tortellini and toss them in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Let them cool on the side while you prepare the salad.
3. Mix it All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled tortellini, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
4. Add the Dressing: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and mix gently. Be careful not to overmix; we want those lovely ingredients to remain intact and vibrant.
5. Season: Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, and mix one last time to combine.
6. Garnish: Finish it off with some fresh basil or parsley for that beautiful pop of color and freshness. Don’t skip this part—it makes all the difference!
7. Chill: If you can wait, let your salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows those flavors to meld together, creating a truly delightful dish!

Personal Tip: If your tortellini is sticking together after cooling, just give them a gentle toss with a bit more olive oil. It’s a lifesaver!

Pro Tips & Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun twists on the classic Meaty Tortellini Salad:

• Spices: Add some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with beans (like chickpeas or black beans) for a wholesome vegetarian option!
• More Veggies: Throw in some spinach, arugula, or even roasted zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.

Be playful with it! This salad is a canvas for all your favorite ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

This Meaty Tortellini Salad is so versatile and can easily hold its own at any gathering. Serve it up with some crusty garlic bread for that perfect “dipping and savoring” combo. I also love pairing it with a light, refreshing cucumber salad and a chilled glass of white wine. If you’re feeling fancy, a light balsamic vinaigrette drizzle can elevate it to gourmet status.

Picture this: You’re lounging on the patio, a warm breeze ruffling your hair, and the tantalizing aroma of grilled veggies fills the air. Your friends are chatting, laughter ringing around you, and you’ve got a bowl of this colorful salad sitting proudly at the center of your table. Perfection, right?

Storage Tips

Had a big batch left? No problem! Store your Meaty Tortellini Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just a heads-up, the tortellini might soak up some of the dressing, so you may want to add a dash more before serving leftovers. If you decide to freeze, I’d recommend leaving the salad undressed—dressing can separate after freezing, which isn’t the best vibe for a salad. When you’re ready for a meal, just defrost it in the fridge overnight and dress it right before serving!

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini is just as good and saves a bit of time. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results.

What other proteins can I add to the salad?

The sky’s the limit! Aside from chicken, you could try diced ham, salami, or even shrimp. It’s all about what flavors you enjoy!

How can I make this salad more filling?

If you want to bulk it up, consider adding some chickpeas or cannellini beans. They’ll add protein and make it even heartier!

Can I make this salad in advance?

You sure can! It’s actually better if you let it sit for a bit to allow the flavors to meld together. Just be mindful of the freshness of the ingredients you add—some may not hold up well after a couple of days in the fridge.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new go-to recipe for the summer and beyond! I hope this Meaty Tortellini Salad brings joy to your table just as it brings to mine. It’s a dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart. I would absolutely love to hear how your version turns out or any fun twists you try. Let’s keep the conversation going—feel free to drop your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking, and enjoy those beautiful summer days!

Ultimate Meaty Tortellini Salad Delicious Summer Pasta Recipe

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• Author: mery
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor the flavors of summer with this meaty tortellini salad recipe Perfect for gatherings its a tasty filling pasta dish everyone will love 155 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 cup cooked and diced rotisserie chicken (or any cooked meat of your choice)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 bell pepper, diced (preferably red)

½ cup black olives, sliced

¾ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the tortellini according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente.

Drain the tortellini and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let cool.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.

Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and mix gently.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix one last time.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• minutes: 30
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320 calories
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 18 grams
• Carbohydrates: 29 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 15 grams