This Tortellini Broccoli Salad is the right selection for a potluck gathering any time of 12 months. Crisp-tender broccoli and cheese tortellini are tossed with bacon, dried cranberries, walnuts and a creamy, tangy dresssing.
When you’re a fan of traditional Broccoli Salad, you’re going to like this recipe. The addition of cheese tortellini provides a pleasant textural distinction and makes it a extra substantial salad.
I first revealed this vivid and cheerful Tortellini Broccoli Salad recipe again in 2013 after our boys gathered for our annual Christmas picture shoot. It was on the menu alongside my Crock-Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches and labored nicely as profitable bribe to get them over to the home.
Quick ahead 11 years and I simply can’t imagine how outdated these reminiscences and these beloved recipes have gotten!
And, talking of issues flying by rapidly. It’s simply insane that we’re closing in on Labor Day weekend – the unofficial finish of summer season. I’m within the midst of planning my content material for fall and winter, however I’m nonetheless absolutely in summer season mode right here. I’m so able to plan a enjoyable, summery menu for the vacation weekend and this veggie loaded pasta salad can be an incredible selection.
Ingredient Notes
- Tortellini: This recipe requires a bundle of refrigerated cheese tortellini. I exploit Rana model, however any model will do.
- Broccoli: You wish to minimize the broccoli florets down into chew measurement items to make them extra manageable on this salad.
- Remaining salad components: Diced crimson onion, dried cranberries, thick-sliced bacon that has been cooked and chopped, and chopped walnuts. See the recipe card beneath for directions on the right way to prepare dinner the bacon.
- For the dressing: Mayonnaise, bitter cream (mild or common), apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and freshly floor black pepper. Every now and then I prefer to substitute balsamic vinegar for the apple cider vinegar for a distinct taste profile. Each are nice!
Prepping the Tortellini and Broccoli
Make use of 1 pot of boiling water to maintain the duty of cooking the tortellini and barely blanching the broccoli (the important thing phrase right here is barely).
- Prepare dinner the tortellini: Carry a big pot of water to a boil and prepare dinner the tortellini about 1 minute shy of the bundle instructions to make certain it doesn’t finish of mushy. Use a slotted spoon to switch the cooked tortellini to a colander and hold the water within the pot. Rinse the tortellini with chilly water till cool to the contact and drain it nicely. Then, switch it to a big mixing bowl and set it apart.
- Blanch the broccoli: Carry the water within the pot again to a boil and add the broccoli. Prepare dinner it for just one to 2 minutes, simply to blanch it barely. Rapidly switch the broccoli to the colander, rinse with chilly water till cool to the contact, and drain it nicely. Switch the broccoli to the blending bowl with the tortellini.
Tips on how to Make Tortellini Broccoli Salad
- Add the remaining salad components to the bowl with the tortellini and broccoli and pour the dressing excessive.
- Toss all the things till nicely mixed.
Make-Forward Suggestions
Cooking the bacon: This can be a activity you will get accomplished nicely prematurely. Comply with the instructions on the recipe card beneath or check out the detailed directions in my Broccoli Salad recipe and get it accomplished!
Make the dressing: You may also combine up the dressing a day or two prematurely and retailer it in an hermetic container within the fridge.
Assemble forward: This salad will be served instantly or coated and refrigerated for a number of hours earlier than serving. When you’re making it prematurely, I like to recommend reserving the walnuts to stir in simply earlier than serving in order that they’ll keep good and crunchy.
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Tortellini Broccoli Salad
This Tortellini Broccoli Salad is the right selection for a potluck gathering any time of 12 months. Crisp-tender broccoli and cheese tortellini are tossed with bacon, dried cranberries, walnuts and a creamy, tangy dresssing.
Servings: 6 to eight servings
Directions
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Carry a big pot of water to a boil and prepare dinner the tortellini based on the bundle instructions, being cautious to not overcook. Use a slotted spoon to switch the cooked tortellini to a colander (hold the water within the pot). Rinse the tortellini with chilly water till cool to the contact and drain it nicely. If needed, flip it out onto a double layer of paper towels to soak up any extra water. Switch it to a big mixing bowl and set it apart.
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Carry the water within the pot again to a boil and add the broccoli. Prepare dinner for just one to 2 minutes, simply to blanch it barely. Rapidly switch the broccoli to the colander, rinse with chilly water till cool to the contact, and drain it nicely (blot with paper towels, if wanted). Switch the broccoli to the blending bowl with the tortellini.
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In a small bowl, whisk collectively the dressing components. Put aside.
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In a big serving bowl, mix the broccoli, tortellini, onion, and dried cranberries. Pour the dressing excessive and toss till nicely mixed. Stir within the crumbled bacon and chopped walnuts and serve instantly or cowl and refrigerate for an hour or two.
Diet
Energy: 487 kcal · Carbohydrates: 37 g · Protein: 14 g · Fats: 32 g · Saturated Fats: 9 g · Polyunsaturated Fats: 11 g · Monounsaturated Fats: 9 g · Trans Fats: 0.1 g · Ldl cholesterol: 51 mg · Sodium: 603 mg · Potassium: 306 mg · Fiber: 4 g · Sugar: 13 g · Vitamin A: 454 IU · Vitamin C: 51 mg · Calcium: 118 mg · Iron: 2 mg
Diet info is robotically calculated utilizing generic components, and is an estimate not a assure. For extra correct outcomes, please confer with the labels in your components at residence.
This submit was initially revealed on January 4, 2014. It has been up to date with new textual content and pictures.
