Tortellini Pasta Salad
Flavor packed pasta salad made with stuffed cheese tortellini, peppery arugula, crisp salty bacon, bright tomatoes, and a tart lemon dressing. It's a hearty pasta dish served at a mild temperature making it an ideal summer entree!
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 20 oz. refrigerated cheese tortellini (recommend Trader Joe's or Buitoni)
- 9 slices (9 oz). bacon, cooked, cooled and chopped*
- 5 oz. arugula (mature or baby arugula)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 large red bell pepper, roasted, cooled and sliced into 1-inch strips**
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Cook tortellini just to al dente according to directions listed on package. Meanwhile line an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Drain tortellini and spread onto prepared baking sheet to cool completely, about 20 minutes (while the tortellini cooks and cools it's a good time to cook bacon and roast the bell pepper if you haven't already).
- For the dressing whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To a large salad bowl add arugula, cooled tortellini and bacon, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion and parmesan cheese.
- Whisk dressing then pour over tortellini mixture and toss to evenly coat. Taste for more salt as needed and serve.
Notes
- *To cook bacon I recommend using the oven: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place bacon on baking sheet in a single layer and bake for about 13 to 18 minutes until just crisp.
- **To roast bell pepper: Cook over the flame of a gas stove, turning once charred with metal tongs to opposite side. It should char in about 30 to 60 seconds, keep a close eye on it. Or alternatively roast on a baking sheet under the broiler turning occasionally.
- This pasta salad will keep in the fridge for several days but the tortellini will absorb the dressing and the arugula will wilt so it's best served the day prepared.