Mediterranean salad

Mediterranean Salad with Tortellini: An Explosion of Flavors and Freshness

Who doesn't love a refreshing salad on a hot summer day? Salads are not only a healthy choice but also a perfect opportunity to combine fresh and flavorful ingredients. This Mediterranean salad recipe with tortellini is ideal for those who want to enjoy a tasty and quick dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Moreover, it is a perfect choice for a light meal or a savory side dish alongside a barbecue. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Total time: 23 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 150 g tortellini (I recommend the prosciutto variant, but cheese or spinach ones are delicious too)
- 2 fresh cucumbers
- 2 green onions (the red variety would add a nice color)
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 50 g telemea cheese (choose a good quality, preferably slightly salty)
- 50 g kalamata olives (for an extra flavor)
- A few salad leaves (green lettuce, arugula, or mixed salad)
- 1/2 bunch of fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic or apple vinegar
- Salt (to taste)
- Lemon or lime slices (for serving)

Recipe history:
Mediterranean salads are renowned for their combination of fresh, flavorful, and healthy ingredients. They reflect the Mediterranean lifestyle, which emphasizes balanced eating and the use of quality ingredients. Tortellini, of Italian origin, adds a hearty and savory element, turning the salad into an ideal dish for summer meals.

Preparation steps:

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 6-8 minutes. Make sure they are al dente for a pleasant texture.

2. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and peel the vegetables. Cut the cucumbers into rounds or cubes, as preferred. Finely chop the green onions, using both the white and green parts for an intense flavor. The cherry tomatoes can be halved or quartered.

3. Olives and telemea: Remove the pits from the olives, if necessary, and cut them in half to release the flavor. Cut the telemea into suitable cubes so that it easily integrates into the salad.

4. Mix the ingredients: After the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large bowl, combine the tortellini, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, olives, telemea, and salad leaves.

5. The dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, and salt to taste. If you prefer, you can make the dressing separately and add it at the end, ensuring that each ingredient is well coated.

6. Finalizing the salad: Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the salad, mix gently, and check the taste. Adjust with salt and dressing if necessary.

7. Serving: Serve the salad immediately, with lemon or lime slices on the side. This detail will add a note of freshness and highlight the flavors of the ingredients.

Practical tips:
- Choose fresh and quality ingredients to achieve a salad with a unique taste.
- The variety of tortellini can be adapted based on your preferences (cheese, vegetables, meat).
- If you want to enrich the salad, add avocado, bell peppers, or even seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) for extra texture and nutrients.
- You can prepare the salad a few hours before serving, but add the dressing just before consumption to keep the ingredients crunchy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can experiment with any short pasta, such as penne or fusilli, but tortellini adds a special touch.
2. How can I make the salad vegan? Replace telemea with tofu or vegan cheese and omit animal-derived ingredients.
3. Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and keep them in separate containers. Mix them before serving.

Nutritional benefits:
This Mediterranean salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. Tortellini adds complex carbohydrates, while olive oil contributes to a healthy fat intake. Dill, besides its distinct flavor, is rich in antioxidants and may support digestion.

Ideal pairings:
This salad pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or a refreshing gin and tonic cocktail. It can also be served alongside a piece of grilled fish or white meat, providing a savory contrast.

I hope this recipe brings you joy and satisfaction in the kitchen! Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!