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As the warm sun beckons us outdoors, the craving for light, refreshing meals becomes a priority. Summer salads not only provide a burst of flavor but also offer a nutritious way to stay energized during the hotter months. Among the myriad of salad options, the "Refreshing Tortellini Delight" stands out as a perfect dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply a light lunch on a sunny day. This salad combines the delightful flavors of fresh ingredients with the satisfying heartiness of tortellini, making it both a visually appealing and nourishing choice.

Easy Cold Tortellini Salad

Explore the vibrant world of summer salads with the Refreshing Tortellini Delight! Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a light lunch, this salad features cheese tortellini combined with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fresh basil. It's quick to make and can be enjoyed warm or cold. Toss it all together with a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Brighten your summer meals with this delicious and colorful dish!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

1 cup mozzarella balls, halved or diced

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Gently add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, typically around 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-9 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the tortellini cooks, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. Slice the black olives. Place all the prepared vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl and set aside.

      Combine Ingredients: Once the tortellini has cooled completely, add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Incorporate the mozzarella balls and the freshly chopped basil leaves into the mixture.

        Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Using a large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring that everything is coated in the dressing while preserving the integrity of the tortellini and vegetables.

            Chill & Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, transfer the salad to a large serving dish or individual portions and enjoy cold!

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                - Presentation Tips: For an attractive presentation, serve the salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, and garnish with additional whole basil leaves on top before serving.