TORTELLINI SALAD WITH HOMEMADE ITALIAN DRESSING

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TORTELLINI SALAD with Homemade Italian Dressing image

This is one terrific pasta salad! It consists of cheese filled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, kalamata olives, a little sweet bell pepper and basil, tossed in my super flavorful, tangy, homemade asiago Italian dressing. It's a party in your mouth! This recipe converts, easily, to vegetarian by omitting the pepperoni....

Provided by Tere Gill

Categories     Pasta Salads

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 28

ITALIAN DRESSING:
1/2 c olive oil, extra virgin
1/4 c white wine vinegar
2 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp honey
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp coarse ground mustard
2 Tbsp finely grated asiago cheese
1 Tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese
3/4 tsp garlic salt
3/4 tsp dry parsley flakes
3/4 tsp dry basil flakes
1/8 tsp dry oregano
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 small pinch paprika
1 small pinch onion powder
1 pinch fine pink himalayan salt or sea salt
**1 - 2 Tbsp water **only if using dressing on a lettuce salad
SALAD:
12 - 15 cherry tomatoes, quartered (i use red and yellow)
3 - 4 slice sweet bell pepper, chopped small (orange, red or yellow)
12 kalamata olives, sliced in thirds
12 - 15 slice pepperoni, quartered or cut in 1/6
3 large fresh basil leaves, chiffonade or chopped
3 - 4 Tbsp prepared italian dressing
6 oz dried 3 cheese tortellini (or your favorite tortellini, amount for 2 - 3 people; i use barilla.)
1/2 Tbsp fresh chives

Steps:

  • 1. (* Important: It's best to make dressing at least one day ahead of time and store in refrigerator; remove from refrigerator, at least 1/2 hour before using, to allow solidified olive oil to liquify; shake well. )
  • 2. Add all dressing ingredients to a pint jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well, or whisk together in a medium bowl; cover and refrigerate. Shake or mix well right before using.
  • 3. To a large bowl, add tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, pepperoni and half of the fresh basil. Set aside, temporarily.
  • 4. Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and rinse with cold water to cool (to avoid breakage, do NOT over-handle the tortellini.)
  • 5. Add 3 tablespoons Italian dressing to the tomato bowl; mix together well.
  • 6. Add well drained tortellini to tomato mixture; fold gently to combine and coat with dressing (add extra dressing, if desired.)
  • 7. Plate the salad, or pour into serving dish; scatter extra basil and chives over all. Serve, or cover and refrigerate until served.

CHUKWUEBUKA ANTHONY
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This salad is so refreshing and flavorful. It's the perfect summer dish.


Shawn Blackwell
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I love that this salad can be made ahead of time. It's perfect for busy weeknights.


Kong gamer
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This salad is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your diet.


Nelson K Moyo
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This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It's also a great side dish for grilled meats or fish.


Aasha phaiju
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I'm not a huge fan of tortellini, but I loved this salad. The dressing is so good that it makes the tortellini taste amazing.


Kivanc Batur
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This salad is the perfect way to use up leftover tortellini. I always have a bag of tortellini in my freezer for quick and easy meals.


Loveman khoza
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This salad is so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I love that I can use whatever vegetables I have on hand.


bhuwan Niroula
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I'm not usually a fan of salads, but this one is amazing. I've made it several times and it's always a hit.


M adnan M aslam
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This salad is so refreshing and flavorful. It's the perfect summer dish.


Rufai Kudirat
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I love that this salad can be made ahead of time. It's perfect for busy weeknights.


Rhapsody Rhynorich
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This salad is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your diet.


John Walters
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This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It's also a great side dish for grilled meats or fish.


Sweeney Nyalugwe
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I'm not a huge fan of tortellini, but I loved this salad. The dressing is so good that it makes the tortellini taste amazing.


Theboi 7272
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover tortellini. I always have a bag of tortellini in my freezer for quick and easy meals.


Khurram Shehzad
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I love the combination of sweet and savory in this salad. The balsamic vinegar and honey really make the flavors pop.


TSHIAMISO MOTLHABANE
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This salad is so versatile. I've made it with different types of pasta, vegetables, and cheeses, and it's always delicious.


Sean Pedro
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I made this salad for a picnic and it was perfect. It's light and refreshing, and the dressing is so flavorful.


Richard Ithier
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This salad is so easy to make and it's always a hit. I love that I can use whatever vegetables I have on hand.


nurru Thin
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I've made this salad several times and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The homemade Italian dressing is especially delicious.


Clone Republic
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This tortellini salad was a hit at my last potluck! Everyone loved the combination of flavors and textures.