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As the temperatures rise and summer settles in, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing meal to cool you down. The Chilled Garden Tortellini Delight is a perfect embodiment of summer dining. This vibrant dish combines the delightful chewiness of cheese tortellini with an array of fresh, colorful vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that invites you to savor every bite. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a nutritious option that emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters.

Cold Tortellini Salad

Looking for a refreshing summer dish? Try the Chilled Garden Tortellini Delight! This vibrant salad combines chewy cheese tortellini with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, making it both nutritious and visually appealing. Perfect for picnics or casual gatherings, you can prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld. With fresh ingredients and a zesty dressing, it's a delicious way to enjoy summer's bounty!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fresh cheese tortellini

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup sweet corn, cooked and cooled

1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), diced

1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/3 cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually around 3-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface. Once done, drain the tortellini and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the tortellini is cooking, take the time to wash and chop your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh basil into small pieces.

      Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and a few cracks of freshly ground pepper. Whisk together until all ingredients are well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

        Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini along with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cooked sweet corn, diced bell pepper, sliced Kalamata olives, and chopped basil.

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the tortellini and vegetable mixture. Using a large spoon, gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

            Chill and Meld Flavors: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing time for the flavors to meld beautifully.

              Serve: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. If desired, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Enjoy this refreshing Cold Tortellini Salad as a delightful side dish or a light main course!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan on the side for guests to add as they like.