Description
This Tortellini Pasta Salad with Chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, juicy grilled chicken, fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumber, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a zesty Italian dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or a satisfying lunch that combines protein and fresh ingredients in a delightful Italian-American style salad.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups cooked grilled chicken, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Dressing & Seasoning
- ¾ cup Italian dressing
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually boiling for about 7-10 minutes until tender. Once cooked, drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta down for the salad.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini, diced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped roasted red peppers, sliced black olives, mozzarella pearls, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh basil. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add the dressing: Pour ¾ cup of Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly until every piece is coated with the dressing, ensuring balanced flavor throughout the salad.
- Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper gradually, tasting to achieve your desired seasoning level for the salad.
- Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully, making the salad more refreshing and flavorful when served.
Notes
- For extra greens and nutrition, add fresh spinach or arugula to the salad.
- Using homemade Italian dressing can enhance freshness and customize flavors to your preference.
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
