Sweep off the patio and set out some placemats because backyard entertaining season is officially upon us. A spring soiree doesn’t need to be time-consuming to prepare – this vibrant tortellini salad is easy to make in a pinch and takes advantage of fresh flavors, bright colors, and fragrant herbs, all pulled together with a zesty homemade dressing.
• 12 oz. cooked tortellini, cooled
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• ½ yellow pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, trimmed and diced
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
• ¼ tsp. salt
• Pepper to taste
1. For the pasta: Cook tortellini according to package instructions and allow to cool or come to room temperature. Then mix together the tortellini, red onion, yellow pepper, and zucchini in a large bowl.
3. For the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mustard, both vinegars, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the oil and continue whisking until emulsified. Add the parsley and basil and whisk one last time until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. Leftovers taste great the next day after marinating in the dressing, though the vegetables lose their crunch a bit.
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Using fresh tortellini is key to this refreshing transportable dish. Leave it to the experts at area Italian markets to ensure the highest quality, or pick up pasta dough to make your own. Here are a few best bets.
Little Rhody Pasta: With a rotating menu of fresh pastas that changes frequently, watch for their tortellini, lovingly crafted using local cheese, at farmers markets around Aquidneck Island. Tiverton, LittleRhodyPasta.com
Pasta Patch: This beloved spot has been serving fresh, handcrafted pasta for decades. Their cheese tortellini is perfect for this recipe, but they also
offer a variety of other fillings if you’re looking to experiment.
East Greenwich, PastaPatch.com
Venda Ravioli: A Federal Hill staple, Venda is known for its house-made pasta selection. Their tortellini, which boasts high-quality ingredients, pairs beautifully with seasonal vegetables and a light vinaigrette. Providence, VendaRavioliStore.com
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