Tortellini Salad – Simple Summer Recipe

If you’re heading to a cook out or just grilling up at home, this Tortellini Salad is a must try simple summer recipe!

I have been making Tortellini salad as a twist to a traditional pasta salad for nearly ten years.  Each time we are invited to a friends BBQ, I make sure to bring this deliciously simple summer recipe and every time I do EVERYONE wants the recipe!

The recipe for the tortellini salad is so very easy, you really just won’t believe it!  And the best part is you can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge until it’s time to eat! It won’t get soggy like a normal salad and the pasta doesn’t get mushy.

Cheese tortellini paired with fresh, crip veggies and garlic buttermilk ranch dressing is the perfect side dish to compliment those grilled steaks!

Tortellini Salad Recipe

Ingredients: 

• 1 bag cheese tortellini, cooked per directions
• 1 zucchini, washed and diced
• 2 large carrots, washed and diced
• handful of grape tomatoes, washed and quartered
• 1 cup buttermilk ranch dressing
• 1 – 2 tsp. crushed garlic

Directions: 

Wash and dice all of your vegetables and cook your tortellini according to the package directions.  Let the tortellini cool and toss with veggies.  In a bowl, combine ranch dressing and garlic.  Add dressing to salad and toss to coat.  You can add additional dressing as needed – if you let the salad sit in the fridge for a bit you will need to add a bit more dressing before serving, the pasta will soak up quite a bit.

Do you have a favorite summer salad recipe?  I’d love to try it!  I am always looking for easy recipes that are quick to make for weeknight summer meals or the perfect side dish to take along to share with friends!