Description
Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini (plant-based), crispy smoked turkey bacon, and a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing (natural). Bursting with colorful vegetables and aromatic herbs, this salad is perfect for warm weather meals, picnics, or quick weeknight lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini (plant-based), fresh Italian-style
- 6 strips smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded plant-based cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup red bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese-filled tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly to maintain firmness perfect for salad.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Once cooked, chop into bite-sized pieces for added smoky crunch.
- Chop the Fresh Ingredients: While tortellini cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice red bell peppers into thin strips, finely chop red onion, and roughly chop fresh basil leaves after removing stems. This ensures smooth assembly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until fully blended for a zesty flavor.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled tortellini, smoked turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red bell peppers, red onion, and chopped basil. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle shredded plant-based cheese on top before serving.
Notes
- Cook tortellini al dente to avoid softness after mixing.
- Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Use fresh basil for authentic Italian aroma and taste.
- If adding nuts, toast them separately in a dry pan for extra crunch and flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper after tossing to balance flavors.
- Use quality extra virgin olive oil for smoother dressing texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Italian tortellini salad, pasta salad, cheese tortellini, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, apple cider vinegar dressing, gluten free pasta salad
