Quick & Easy Tortellini Salad: A Budget-Friendly Meal

​ updated june 11, 2025
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Looking for a simple and affordable weeknight dinner? This⁤ tortellini salad recipe combines bagged, dried tortellini ⁢with fresh,⁣ seasonal ‌vegetables and a zesty lemon-Parmesan dressing. The⁢ result is a flavorful and ⁣filling ⁢meal that won’t break the bank.

The complete menu features ​homemade focaccia and a three-ingredient strawberry mousse, bringing the total‌ cost to just $14.22 for two people,according to Gretchen McKay of the Pittsburgh Post-gazette. That’s a budget-friendly $7.11 per person.

while the exact ⁤origins of tortellini are debated, several⁤ cities in the Emilia-Romagna region of ​Italy claim it as their own. Irrespective of its birthplace, this pasta ⁤has ‍been enjoyed for centuries. The name tortellini translates to ​”little cake” or “little ⁢ring” in Italian.

McKay’s recipe uses affordable⁤ ingredients. The most expensive item was the tortellini,but using only part of the bag keeps the cost down. Sale prices on asparagus and strawberries ‍further⁢ contribute to the savings.

The no-knead⁣ focaccia is also ⁤incredibly cheap ​to make, ​requiring only flour, yeast, and olive‍ oil.⁣ A​ sprinkle of salt and rosemary elevates the‌ flavor.

While designed ‌as a weeknight dinner, this menu also works ⁤well for picnics or cookouts. Everything travels easily and can be served ‌cold,‍ tho the ⁣strawberry mousse should ‍be kept chilled.

No-Knead Pan Focaccia

This simple focaccia recipe is perfect for bread-making beginners. The dough can be ⁤made in a food processor or stand mixer.

• 2 cups all-purpose ‍flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dry instant yeast
• 3/4 cup lukewarm water
• 3 tablespoons plus 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh or dried rosemary⁤ leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Combine ‍flour, salt, and yeast ⁣in a ‌food processor. ‌add water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, pulsing untill a ⁤ball forms. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and⁤ let rise for 2-3 hours. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of⁤ olive oil in a skillet.‍ Punch down⁤ dough and stretch to cover the skillet. Cover and let rest for 30-40 minutes.Dimple the surface, drizzle with remaining ‌olive oil, sprinkle ​with rosemary and salt. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Tortellini Salad ⁤with ​Spring Veggies

this ‌pasta salad features dried⁤ spinach tortellini,fresh asparagus,cherry tomatoes,and ⁢arugula for a filling and easy meal.

• 1/2 pound thin asparagus,‌ trimmed
• 8 ounces packaged dried cheese or⁤ spinach tortellini
• 1/2 cup ⁣vegetable⁣ or olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
• Handful of arugula or spinach
• handful of chopped basil or‌ parsley
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts,⁢ optional
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Blanch asparagus for ⁣60-90 seconds, then transfer⁤ to an ice bath. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Whisk together oil, lemon juice, shallot, and garlic for‍ the vinaigrette. Combine tortellini, vinaigrette,​ tomatoes, arugula, basil, Parmesan, pine​ nuts, and​ asparagus.Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

fresh Strawberry Mousse

This‌ three-ingredient dessert is quick, fresh, and delicious.

• 1-pound container of strawberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ⁢cup whole whipping cream, cold

Puree strawberries with sugar.Set aside 1/2 cup of puree. Beat cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in ⁢remaining puree. Divide⁢ reserved puree between glasses, spoon ⁤mousse on top, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Garnish with ⁤reserved strawberries.

What’s next

Try ​experimenting with different vegetables and‌ herbs to customize this tortellini salad to your liking. Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for⁢ extra protein.