...
Go Back
–+ servings
A bowl filled with cold tortellini pasta salad featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and green herbs.

Tortellini Pasta Salad

5 from 1 vote
Aliana Recipes
Bright, refreshing, and full of savory crunch. This vibrant dish combines tender cheese-filled pasta, crispy bacon, and peppery greens tossed in a zesty lemon dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings:6 bowls
Course:Dinner
Cuisine:American
Calories:480kcal
Cost:$15
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini Cooked al dente
  • 9 slices bacon Cooked, cooled, and chopped
  • 5 ounces arugula Mature or baby arugula
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes Halved
  • 1 large red bell pepper Roasted and sliced into strips
  • ⅓ cup red onion Thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese For savory depth
  • ⅓ cup olive oil Base for the dressing
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice Adds bright acidity
  • 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic For aromatic flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil For herbal notes
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, for heat
  • salt and black pepper To taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling the pasta
  • 1 Baking sheet For cooling the tortellini flat
  • 1 Large salad bowl For assembling the dish
  • 1 Whisk To emulsify the dressing

Method
 

  1. Boil the tortellini in salted water until al dente to maintain a firm texture for the salad.
  2. Spread the drained pasta onto a lined baking sheet so it cools completely without clumping together.
    A metal slotted spoon lifts soft, pale cheese tortellini out of a pot of boiling water.
  3. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, basil, and seasonings in a bowl to create a bright vinaigrette.
  4. Combine the cooled pasta, arugula, bacon, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and parmesan in a large serving bowl.
  5. Pour the zesty dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat every leaf and noodle evenly.
    Hands use wooden salad servers to toss cooked tortellini, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella in a large bowl.

Nutrition

Serving: 250g (1 bowl)Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 16gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 35IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Spread the boiled pasta evenly across a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool rapidly so the pieces do not stick together.