Fresh Lemon Herb Tortellini Salad
A bright and refreshing tortellini salad with fresh lemon, herbs, and mozzarella, perfect for summer meals and easy to prepare in about 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340 g) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 8 ounces (225 g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Small handful toasted pine nuts or toasted almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3 to 5 minutes for fresh tortellini, until tender but still al dente.
- Drain and rinse tortellini under cold water to stop cooking and cool them down. Set aside to drain fully for about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the juice and zest of 1 large lemon, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 1 minced garlic clove. Add salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Finely chop 1/4 cup basil, 2 tablespoons parsley, and 1 tablespoon chives. Halve about 1 cup cherry tomatoes if using.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, fresh mozzarella balls, chopped herbs, and cherry tomatoes.
- Pour the lemon herb dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently with a wooden spoon or salad tongs to coat all ingredients without breaking up the mozzarella.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds on top just before serving for added crunch (optional).
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.
Notes
Rinse tortellini under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Toss gently to keep mozzarella balls intact. Dressing can be prepared ahead and whisked before tossing. Salad tastes better after chilling for 20-30 minutes. Can be customized with grilled chicken, vegan cheese, or seasonal vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups (25
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 300400
- Fat: 1215
- Saturated Fat: 46
- Carbohydrates: 4045
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 1215
Keywords: tortellini salad, lemon herb salad, summer salad, mozzarella salad, easy pasta salad, fresh herbs, light salad