Mediterranean Tortellini Salad

This Mediterranean Tortellini Salad is a fun and tasty twist on pasta salad! Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, colourful veggies, and cheesy tortellini, it makes a satisfying lunch or dinner that kids and grown-ups will both love. It’s super versatile too, add olives or feta for extra flavour, or swap in your favourite veggies. Serve it cold on a warm day or pack it up for a picnic or school lunch!

Recipe adapted from: Something Nutritious

Recipe

This recipe will make 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

  1. 1 package (225g) cheese tortellini

  2. 1 can (540 mL) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

  3. 2 green onions, sliced (ask a grown-up to help)

  4. ½ English cucumber, diced

  5. 2 Roma tomatoes, diced

  6. ⅓ cup chopped parsley

  7. 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  8. 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  9. 2 garlic cloves, minced

  10. ½ teaspoon salt

  11. ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  12. Juice of 1 lemon

  13. 1/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil of choice)

Equipment:

  • Measuring cups/spoons

  • Cutting board and Knife

  • Wooden spoon/spatula

  • Large bowl

  • Small bowl

Directions:

  1. Cook the Tortellini:
    Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook until just tender (called al dente — soft but still a little firm). Drain and let it cool.

  2. Prep the Ingredients:

    • Rinse and drain the chickpeas.

    • Dice the cucumber and tomatoes.

    • Chop the parsley.

    • Slice the green onions. (Ask your adult helper to assist with chopping!)

  3. Make the Veggie Mix:
    In a big bowl, add the chickpeas, green onions, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley.

  4. Add the Tortellini:
    Once your pasta is cool, gently mix it into the bowl with the veggies.

  5. Add the Flavour:
    In a small bowl add the oil and sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the garlic and squeeze in the juice of one lemon. Mix everything together.

  6. (Optional) Add Fun Extras:
    If you like olives or feta cheese, mix them in now!

  7. Chill & Serve:
    Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes for the best flavour. Then enjoy your fresh and cheesy pasta salad!

Optional Add ins:

¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives

⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese