Tortellini Salad Basil Tomatoes (Printable Recipe)

Cheesy tortellini with basil, tomatoes, and Italian dressing for a flavorful summer dish.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 18 ounces fresh cheese tortellini or vegan tortellini

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
04 - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 5 pepperoncini, stemmed and chopped
06 - 2 cups fresh arugula

→ Protein & Legumes

07 - 1 cup cooked white beans, drained and rinsed

→ Herbs & Seasonings

08 - 1 cup fresh basil, torn, plus extra for garnish
09 - Parmesan or pecorino cheese, grated (optional)
10 - Red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Dressing

11 - Italian dressing (homemade preferred)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Spread on a large plate or baking sheet to cool completely.
02 - Make homemade Italian dressing according to your preferred recipe using olive oil, herbs, and fresh lemon juice.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, white beans, sliced red onion, and chopped pepperoncini.
04 - Pour half the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine. Add arugula and torn basil leaves, then toss again gently to distribute evenly.
05 - Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add grated cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Toss once more and garnish with additional fresh basil. Add more dressing as needed before serving.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Look for fresh tortellini in the refrigerated section rather than dried pasta for best texture
02 - Allow tortellini to cool completely before assembling to prevent wilting the greens
03 - If making ahead, wait to add fresh basil garnish until serving time
04 - Add an extra drizzle of olive oil after refrigerating for a day or two
05 - Can be made with either cheese or vegan tortellini with equally delicious results

Go Back