Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad

Variations And Additions

This cold tortellini pasta salad is incredibly versatile, serving as a delicious base for a variety of additions and variations. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Cheese – Instead of parmesan, use crumbled feta cheese, fresh mozzarella balls, shredded mozzarella cheese, or cubed cheddar. 
• Olives – Swap out the black olives for kalamata olives or green olives. Or replace the olives altogether with briny capers. 
• Tomatoes – Substitute sun-dried tomatoes for some or all of the cherry tomatoes or use grape tomatoes if they’re more readily available at your grocery store.
• Protein – Add pepperoni, cooked chicken, or steamed shrimp for a heartier salad. 
• Dressing – Make a creamy dressing by using a few dollops of Greek yogurt. 
• Pesto – For more refreshing basil flavor, mix some pesto into the dressing. 
• Spice – To add a little heat, shake in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper powder.
• Vegetables – Add any other veggies that you have on hand like fresh sweet corn, spinach, carrots, roasted red peppers, or arugula.
• ​Oil – Instead of avocado oil, use olive oil or another neutrally flavored oil.
• Aromatics – Sprinkle in some minced garlic cloves, sliced leeks, or chopped green onions.
• Citrus – Add lime or lemon juice for an easy way to brighten the dressing.
• Herbs – While I like to use basil, you can also incorporate other fresh herbs like mint, cilantro or your personal favorites.