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.