Tortellini Salad with Smoked Beef

This tortellini salad with smoked beef combines cheese-filled pasta, smoky beef, fresh vegetables, and a light vinaigrette for a hearty yet refreshing dish perfect for picnics, meal prep, or summer gatherings.

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Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 30

Servings: servings

Calories: 480kcal

Author: Chloe White

Cost: $7

Equipment

Large pot
Colander
large mixing bowl
Knife
Cutting board

Ingredients

16 oz cheese tortellini
8 oz smoked beef, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini until al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions.
Drain and rinse tortellini briefly with cold water, then toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Transfer cooled tortellini to a large bowl and add smoked beef.
Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Add chopped fresh basil and mix lightly.
Let the salad sit for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Cook tortellini just until al dente to prevent mushiness. Let the salad sit 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Refresh with extra dressing if needed.

Nutrition