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As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, the desire for light, refreshing meals intensifies. Enter the Chilled Tortellini Delight—a perfect dish that embodies the essence of summer dining. This easy-to-make recipe is not only visually appealing, boasting a vibrant medley of colors, but it is also packed with nutritious ingredients that make it an excellent choice for family gatherings, picnics, or a light weekday dinner. Its versatility allows for creativity in the kitchen, catering to various dietary preferences and tastes, making it an attractive option for anyone looking for quick, satisfying meal solutions.

Easy Cold Tortellini Salad

Looking for a refreshing meal to enjoy during warm weather? Try this Chilled Tortellini Delight recipe, a vibrant pasta salad perfect for gatherings, picnics, or light dinners. Made with tender cheese tortellini, colorful vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Customize it to your taste and dietary needs, making it a great option for everyone. Discover the joy of summer dining with this easy-to-make, satisfying recipe!
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces cheese tortellini (either fresh or frozen)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup bell peppers, diced (use a mix of colors for visual appeal)

½ cup red onion, finely chopped

½ cup black olives, sliced

½ cup mozzarella balls, halved

¾ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes, until they are tender yet firm (al dente). Once cooked, drain the tortellini and immediately rinse under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Allow them to cool completely, then set aside.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the tortellini cools, get the vegetables ready. Halve the cherry tomatoes, then dice the cucumber and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion and slice the black olives. If you're using fresh basil, chop it coarsely to bring out its flavor.

      Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell peppers, chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and halved mozzarella balls. Gently fold the ingredients together to ensure even distribution.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, toss the salad gently until all the ingredients are coated uniformly with the dressing.

          Season and Chill: Add the chopped basil to the salad and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Toss everything again to mix thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes; this chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

            Serve: Just before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the salad cold as a refreshing dish at gatherings or as a light meal on warm days. Enjoy your deliciously chilled tortellini salad!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 6-8