Description
Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish combining tender cheese-filled tortellini, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and creamy shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Loaded with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a bright dressing, this salad delivers a colorful and satisfying blend of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors perfect for meals on busy days, potlucks, or picnics.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely sliced
- 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, cook until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and set aside to cool.
- Chop the Vegetables and Herbs: Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely slice the red onion, roughly chop the baby spinach, and finely chop the fresh basil and parsley. These fresh ingredients add brightness and color to your Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This vibrant dressing ties all the components together beautifully.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked tortellini, crispy smoked turkey bacon, shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), tomatoes, onion, olives, baby spinach, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop a perfect harmony.
Notes
- Rinse tortellini under cold water to prevent mushiness and maintain shape.
- Cook smoked turkey bacon just before adding to keep it crispy.
- Adjust dressing quantity to avoid oversaturating the salad.
- Use fresh basil and parsley for best flavor and vibrancy.
- Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Tuscan tortellini salad, pasta salad, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian pasta salad, make-ahead salad, picnic dish