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When the temperature rises and summer gatherings beckon, there's nothing quite as refreshing as a chilled pasta salad. Enter the Chilled Tortellini Delight, a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the comforting essence of tortellini with the crispness of fresh vegetables. This delightful recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the palate, making it the perfect addition to picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.

Easy Cold Tortellini Salad

Cool down this summer with a vibrant Chilled Tortellini Delight, ideal for any occasion! This pasta salad combines tender cheese tortellini with a mix of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or quick meals, this colorful dish is both nutritious and adaptable. Impress your guests with this delicious recipe and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced

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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the tortellini cools, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, finely chop the red onion, and slice the black olives. If using fresh basil, chop it coarsely.

      Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella balls.

        Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

          Season and Chill: Add the chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

            Serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve cold and enjoy your refreshing tortellini salad!

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