Description
A vibrant and creamy Marry Me Pasta Salad combining tender cheese tortellini with fresh cherry and sundried tomatoes, fragrant basil, baby spinach, and a rich, flavorful dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and Italian dressing. Perfectly chilled and garnished, this salad is a delightful, easy-to-make dish ideal for gatherings or light meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 19 ounces cheese tortellini (boiled, drained, cooled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
- ¼ cup basil leaves
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups baby spinach
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon oil from sundried tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: In a large bowl, add the boiled, drained, and cooled cheese tortellini with halved cherry tomatoes, chopped sundried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, shredded parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Gently toss to mix evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, oil from sundried tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the creamy, flavorful dressing.
- Whisk Dressing: Thoroughly whisk the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
- Mix Dressing and Pasta: Gently fold the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, being careful not to break the tortellini or bruise the fresh ingredients, to evenly coat everything.
- Chill Salad: Place the combined salad into the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours. This step helps the flavors to meld and the salad to set perfectly for serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the pasta salad with additional cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a fresh and vibrant presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled as a refreshing, satisfying dish ideal for potlucks, picnics, or light meals.
Notes
- Boil the tortellini as per package instructions, drain well, and allow to cool before assembling the salad to prevent sogginess.
- Using the oil from sundried tomatoes adds a nice depth of flavor; reserve this oil if using store-bought sundried tomatoes packed in oil.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially considering the saltiness of the parmesan and dressing.
- Chilling the salad for the full 4 hours is crucial for flavor integration and texture.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or cooked bacon bits.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir gently before serving.
