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Meaty Tortellini Salad

A hearty, flavorful salad made with cheese tortellini, ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 people
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling the tortellini
  • 1 Skillet For browning the ground beef
  • 1 Cutting board For chopping the vegetables
  • 1 Knife For slicing and chopping the vegetables
  • 1 Large mixing bowl For mixing the salad

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package of cheese tortellini about 12 oz
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey for a leaner option
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper diced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing or homemade vinaigrette
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing the beef
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 7-9 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

  • While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

  • While the beef and pasta cool, chop the red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and Kalamata olives. Place them in a large mixing bowl, along with the chopped fresh parsley.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  • Add the cooled tortellini and ground beef to the mixing bowl with the vegetables. Pour in the Italian dressing and toss everything together until well combined. If desired, add a little extra dressing or olive oil for additional moisture.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

  • Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more delicious. When ready to serve, give it another quick toss and serve in a large bowl.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's perfect for meal prep!