Apple Tortellini Salad With Strawberries
Apple tortellini salad with strawberries is the perfect way to bring pasta salad into the fall. Cheese tortellini get tossed with a sweet and tangy apple dressing, salad greens, strawberries, crunchy celery and zippy green onions. Perfect for potlucks and parties!
Pasta salad of all varieties is definitely a staple here in the South.
And just because the weather might start to cool off- MIGHT- doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy the classic picnic dish.
We just bring it into the season with some fall flavors and a heartier pasta (tortellini).
And because it’s still loaded with greens and sweet strawberries, it’s the perfect dish to bridge that awkward gap between HOT weather food and cool weather comfort food.
Ingredients
To make this tortellini salad you’ll need a set of ingredients for the dressing and one for the salad itself.
For the dressing you’ll need:
- Apple juice concentrate– The frozen kind, thawed.
- Corn syrup– Use light corn syrup
- Brown sugar
- Vinegar– Apple cider vinegar
- Spices– Garlic powder, salt, and pepper
For the tortellini salad you’ll need:
- Tortellini– Cheese tortellini
- Salad greens– Your favorite blend of greens
- Strawberries– Hulled and sliced
- Celery– Thinly sliced
- Green onions– Thinly sliced
- Pine nuts– These are optional. You could also use pecans, or walnuts, if you prefer.
How to Make
Apple tortellini salad with strawberries is pretty easy to make.
Start by adding all of the ingredients for the dressing to a mason jar.
Secure the lid on the jar and shake the jar vigorously until everything is combined.
Pop the dressing in the fridge.
Once the dressing is refrigerating start making the salad.
To do this, cook the tortellini according to the instructions on the package until it’s al dente.
When the pasta reaches your desired doneness, strain it and run it under cold water to cool it off.
Toss the drained tortellini together with the rest of the salad ingredients except the nuts in a large bowl.
Once the salad is combined, pour on the dressing and then toss the salad gently again.
Sprinkle the nuts on top if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
I don’t recommend planning for leftovers with this salad.
The greens and strawberries will get sad and soggy in the fridge and the tortellini will absorb the dressing.
Tips and Tricks
- Not a fan of celery? No problem! Skip it!
- Make sure you drain the tortellini well so it is not soggy. You may even want to give it a gentle pat dry.
- While I don’t recommend assembling the salad ahead of time, you can make the dressing in advance and even slice the strawberries and veggies as long as you store them in individual containers in the fridge. Toss everything together just before serving.
Other Pasta Salad Recipes
Apple tortellini salad with strawberries is a yummy twist on pasta salad we love.
Make it for your next gathering and enjoy!
Looking for other pasta salad recipes?
Try these:
If you’ve tried this APPLE TORTELLINI SALAD or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!
Apple Tortellini Salad With Strawberries
Ingredients
For The Dressing
- 4 tbsp frozen apple juice concentrate thawed
- 3 tbsp light corn syrup
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt & pepper to taste
For The Salad
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 2 - 2 1/2 cups salad greens
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 2 tbsp pine nuts optional
Instructions
To Make The Dressing
- Add all of the dressing ingredients to a small mason jar. Add the lid, turning to close tightly. Shake vigorously until evenly combined. Refrigerate.4 tbsp frozen apple juice concentrate, 3 tbsp light corn syrup, 2 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt & pepper
To Make The Salad
- Cook the tortellini until al dente, according to the package directions. Strain, and run under cold water until cooled. Make sure the pasta's drained completely.9 oz cheese tortellini
- Add all of the salad ingredients, except nuts, to a large mixing bowl. Toss gently until evenly combined.2 - 2 1/2 cups salad greens, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery, 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing again just until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with pine nuts- if desired.2 tbsp pine nuts
Notes
- Not a fan of celery? No problem! Skip it!
- Make sure you drain the tortellini well so it is not soggy. You may even want to give it a gentle pat dry.
- While I don't recommend assembling the salad ahead of time, you can make the dressing in advance and even slice the strawberries and veggies as long as you store them in individual containers in the fridge. Toss everything together just before serving.
Nutrition
