Why You’ll Love this Tortellini Salad Recipe
When it comes to delicious and satisfying meals, this tortellini salad recipe stands out as a favorite. I love how it combines vibrant vegetables with tender tortellini, creating a colorful dish that’s bursting with flavor.
It’s incredibly versatile, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a potluck. Plus, the homemade light mayonnaise adds a creamy touch without being overly heavy.
I appreciate how quick and easy it’s to prepare, especially on busy days. Whether you’re a tortellini enthusiast or just looking to try something new, I guarantee this salad will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Ingredients of Tortellini Salad
When you’re looking to whip up a dish that’s not just tasty but also colorful and satisfying, this tortellini salad is where you want to be. It’s got that delightful mix of cheesy tortellini, fresh veggies, and a homemade light mayonnaise that gives it a creamy touch without weighing you down.
Plus, it’s super simple to make, which is always a win in my book. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a potluck, or just a casual family dinner, this salad is sure to impress. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Here’s what you’ll need to throw this deliciousness together:
- 3 (9 ounce) packages Contadina 3 cheese tortellini
- 1 (12 ounce) bag broccoli, carrots, and water chestnut mix
- 1 (12 ounce) box frozen asparagus tips
- 1 cup frozen green peas (no need to cook)
- 2 – 4 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 – 3/4 lb deli sliced honey-roasted ham, cut into 3/4 inch squares
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients a little more. The tortellini is the star of the show, and using a three-cheese variety is like giving your taste buds a hug.
The veggies bring in that crunch and freshness, while the honey-roasted ham adds a nice touch of sweetness. If you have some leftover veggies or different meats hanging out in your fridge, feel free to swap them in! Cooking is all about improvisation, right?
And don’t forget about the homemade light mayonnaise; it’s not only healthier, but it adds a personal touch that store-bought just can’t compete with. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get ready for the next step: making this delightful tortellini salad!
How to Make Tortellini Salad
Making the Tortellini Salad is as easy as a Sunday morning. First things first, grab those 3 (9 ounce) packages of Contadina 3 cheese tortellini and cook them according to the package directions. It’s a no-brainer, really.
While that water is boiling away, you can multitask and prepare the other ingredients. Cook the 1 (12 ounce) bag of broccoli, carrots, and water chestnut mix as well as the 1 (12 ounce) box of frozen asparagus tips. Trust me, your kitchen will soon be filled with vibrant colors and delicious aromas.
Once everything is cooked, drain the veggies and let them cool down a bit—no one wants to bite into a scorching hot salad, right?
Now, while those ingredients are cooling, it’s time to make that homemade light mayonnaise. You’ll need 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of Dijon-style mustard, and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar—pretty straightforward.
If you have a food processor or blender, toss those ingredients in and give them a good 30-second whirl. With the machine still running, slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup of vegetable oil and 1/2 cup of olive oil. This is the part where you feel like a culinary genius, creating something magical out of a few simple ingredients.
After you’ve got your creamy concoction, add in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend it all together until it’s a dreamy, light mayonnaise that you could practically eat with a spoon.
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to bring it all together in a large bowl. Combine the cooked tortellini, cooled broccoli, carrots, water chestnuts, asparagus tips, and 1 cup of frozen green peas (no cooking required for these little gems).
Toss in 2-4 tablespoons of chopped green onions and 1/2 cup of fresh basil, chopped. Don’t forget about the star of the show—the deli sliced honey-roasted ham. Cut it into 3/4 inch squares and add it to the mix.
Now, here comes the fun part: pour that light mayonnaise over the entire mixture and toss it all together until everything is evenly coated. You want to make sure every bite is bursting with flavor.
And voila, you’ve got yourself a delightful Tortellini Salad. Whether it’s for a picnic, potluck, or just a cozy dinner at home, this dish is bound to impress. Just remember to keep an extra fork handy—this salad is too good to share.
Tortellini Salad Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up with your Tortellini Salad, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to take into account.
For instance, swap the honey-roasted ham with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. You can also use different vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes instead of broccoli and asparagus.
If you’re not keen on the dressing, try a store-bought Italian vinaigrette or add some pesto for extra flavor.
Don’t forget to experiment with cheeses—feta or mozzarella can elevate your salad.
Have fun with it, and make it your own!
What to Serve with Tortellini Salad
Tortellini salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. It also complements crusty garlic bread, which adds a nice crunch.
For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette works perfectly.
If you’re hosting, consider pairing it with a charcuterie board filled with cheeses and cured meats for a delightful spread.
And don’t forget a chilled white wine or sparkling water to elevate the experience.
Trust me, these pairings will impress your guests and enhance your meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
When serving tortellini salad, keep a few extra tips in mind to enhance the dish.
First, I love adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before serving for an extra flavor boost.
If you want a bit of crunch, consider tossing in some toasted pine nuts. For a zesty kick, a dash of red pepper flakes works wonders.
Make sure to chill the salad for at least an hour before serving; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, don’t hesitate to customize the ingredients based on your preferences—this salad is versatile and always delicious! Enjoy!