Who says healthy has to be boring? I’m here to tell you that vibrant food is the most delicious food of all. This Zesty Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is my proof. It’s a bowl full of sunshine that makes eating well an absolute joy. If you love bold, zesty flavors, you should also try my Zesty Buffalo Sauce Shrimp Pasta Dinner for another quick and flavorful weeknight option.
We often think of salads as just greens. But this recipe is so much more. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. I promise it will change how you think about a simple pasta salad.
Imagine plump cheese tortellini mixed with crisp veggies and salty olives. It’s all tossed in a creamy, herby dressing. Every bite is a burst of fresh, zesty flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired / Mediterranean
- Category: Main Dish Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why This Dish is Secretly Good for You
This salad is a powerhouse of good-for-you ingredients. Each one brings something special to your plate. It’s healthy eating that doesn’t feel like a chore at all.
The colorful vegetables are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. They help your body fight stress and stay strong. The olives and olive oil give you healthy fats that are great for your heart.
Cheese tortellini adds protein and satisfying carbs. This gives you lasting energy. Together, these ingredients create a truly balanced meal. You get flavor and nourishment in every single forkful.
My Favorite “Healthy Swap” Ingredients
I love making small tweaks to boost nutrition. They never sacrifice an ounce of taste. Here are my go-to swaps for this recipe.
I use a base of plain Greek yogurt in the dressing. It replaces heavier mayo or sour cream. This swap adds a big boost of protein and a lovely tang. For another protein-packed meal with Mediterranean flair, my Greek Chicken is a fantastic choice.
Fresh lemon juice and herbs bring so much brightness. They mean we can use less salt and oil. Your taste buds will be dancing from all the fresh flavor!
Zesty Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
The Full “Feel-Good” Ingredient List
My Clean & Simple Cooking Method
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Zesty Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Full “Feel-Good” Ingredient List
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to a great meal. Look for the freshest veggies you can find. Their color and crunch make all the difference.
- 20 oz. package of fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 large English cucumber, chopped
- 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 4 oz. crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
For the Zesty Dressing:
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
My Clean & Simple Cooking Method
This recipe comes together in a flash. The steps are easy and the results are always fantastic. Let’s get cooking!
- Start by cooking the tortellini. Follow the package directions in a large pot of salted water. Cook it just until al dente, then drain and rinse with cool water. This stops the cooking and cools it down.
- While the pasta cooks, make your dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like.
- Grab your biggest, most beautiful mixing bowl. Add the cooled tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the top.
- Gently toss everything together. You want every piece to get a little coat of that creamy dressing. Be careful not to mash the tortellini or tomatoes.
- Now, add most of the crumbled feta and the fresh herbs. Give it one more gentle fold to mix them in. This keeps the feta from completely dissolving.
- For the best flavor, let the salad rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to really come together. Right before serving, drizzle the remaining dressing on top and sprinkle with the last bit of feta and herbs.
How to Meal Prep This for the Week
This salad is a meal prep superstar. It holds up beautifully in the fridge. A little planning means you have a healthy lunch ready for days.
I suggest keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. Store it in a small jar. Chop all your vegetables and cook the tortellini. Keep them in a large sealed container.
Each morning, just pack a portion of the salad mix in your lunch box. Add a little container of dressing on the side. Toss it all together right before you eat. The veggies will stay crisp and perfect.
Nutrition Notes
This information is an estimate per serving. It will vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Remember, this is a balanced main dish.
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~16g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Dietary Fiber: ~5g
- Total Fat: ~21g (primarily healthy fats from olive oil and olives)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this salad with a different pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have tortellini, you can use another short pasta. Whole wheat rotini or farfalle are great choices. The cooking method will be the same. For another simple, creamy pasta dish, my LEMON RICOTTA PASTA is incredibly easy and delicious.
How long will the leftovers stay good?
Stored in a sealed container in the fridge, this salad is best within 3 days. The veggies will soften a bit, but it will still taste wonderful. I don’t recommend freezing it.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can! Look for vegan cheese tortellini and use a plant-based feta. For the dressing, swap the Greek yogurt for a plain, unsweetened vegan yogurt. The result will still be creamy and zesty.
I truly believe food should make you feel happy and healthy. This Zesty Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad does exactly that. It’s a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together in the best way.
It’s perfect for a busy family dinner, a weekend potluck, or your weekly lunch prep. I hope it becomes a regular in your kitchen rotation. It’s a recipe that always brings a smile.
I hope you love how this delicious meal makes you feel! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know how it turned out for you!
