Description
Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini Salad is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender cheese tortellini with smoky turkey bacon, roasted red peppers, fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), all tossed in a light and tangy olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad is fresh, easy to prepare, and customizable to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- Fresh cheese tortellini – 12 oz (340 g)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) – 1 cup
Vegetables and Herbs
- Roasted red peppers – 1 cup, diced
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Fresh basil or parsley – 1/4 cup, roughly chopped
Protein
- Smoked turkey bacon – 4 slices
Dressing
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy and browned. Remove from heat, drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice the roasted red peppers and halve the cherry tomatoes. Roughly chop fresh basil or parsley and set aside for assembling.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. This dressing enhances the flavors without overpowering the salad.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked tortellini, roasted red peppers, chopped smoked turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss again to coat evenly.
- Chill or Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad right away or cover and chill it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh basil or parsley for the best flavor impact.
- Do not overcook the tortellini to keep it firm and avoid mushiness.
- Roast your own red peppers for deeper smoky flavor if possible.
- Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to keep it from sticking and cooling it down.
- Make the dressing a day ahead to develop richer flavor and save time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No baking needed
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: tortellini salad, roasted red pepper salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, quick pasta salad, easy summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad