This Zesty Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is packed with bell peppers, cucumber, pepperoncinis, and cheese tortellini tossed in a simple lemon Italian dressing. Everyone will enjoy this vegetarian make-ahead friendly cold pasta salad!
Ingredients
1 (9-10 ounce) package cheese tortellini
1/4cupextra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoonslemon juice (approx. 1/2 lemon)
1 tablespoonred wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoonsItalian seasoning
1 teaspoongarlic powder
1/2 teaspoonfine sea salt
1/2 teaspoonfresh ground black pepper
1 medium cucumber, stripe peeled & cut into quarter rounds
1green bell pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped
1yellow or red bell pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped
Cook the tortellini: Heat 4 quarts of water in a large pot over high heat. Cook the tortellini (9-10 ounce package) based on package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and bring to room temperature. Set aside to cool while you prep the remaining ingredients.
Make the dressing: In a mason jar with lid or small bowl, combine the olive oil (1/4 cup), lemon juice (2 tablespoons), red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon), Italian seasoning (1 1/2 teaspoons), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon) and pepper (1/2 teaspoon). Put the lid on and shake it up or whisk until combined.
Assemble salad: To a large bowl, add the cucumbers (1, stripe peeled & cut into quarter rounds), bell peppers (2, deseeded and roughly chopped), pepperoncini peppers (1/4 cup, roughly chopped), red onion (1/4, diced), and cooked tortellini. Pour the dressing over the veggies and tortellini, then gently toss to combine. Top with additional fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste, plus additional lemon juice if you prefer.
Serve and store: Serve immediately or chill for at least 2 hours for a cold pasta salad. This is a great side dish or cold lunch to make ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Briefly stir before enjoying from the fridge to remix any dressing that has settled at the bottom of the bowl.