This Broccoli BLT Tortellini Salad is a fun twist on a classic! It’s packed with cheesy tortellini, crunchy broccoli, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a tasty dressing.
I love how this dish balances flavors and textures, making it a hit at potlucks. Plus, it comes together quickly, so you can spend more time enjoying it with friends! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: I prefer using cheese tortellini for a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, opt for spinach or even meat tortellini. Fresh or frozen varieties work too—just check cooking times!
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch. If you want a healtier option, turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas can substitute. For vegetarian choices, skip it altogether or use a plant-based bacon.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a great crunch and color. You can use cauliflower or even peas if broccoli isn’t available. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so they stay crisp!
Mayonnaise/Sour Cream: The dressing is creamy thanks to these ingredients. For a lighter version, plain yogurt works well, or use a vegan mayo for a dairy-free option. You can also add a splash of Greek yogurt for tanginess.
Romaine Lettuce: This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. Substitute with mixed greens, kale, or even spinach, depending on your preference.
How Do You Make The Perfect Dressing for This Salad?
The dressing brings all the flavors together, so getting it just right is key! Here’s how:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
- Adjust the balance: taste as you go! If it’s too tangy, add a bit more sugar. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk or water can help.
Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it cold for the best taste and freshness!
How to Make Broccoli BLT Tortellini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Tortellini: 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Bacon: 6 slices bacon
- Broccoli: 2 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Lettuce: 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator before serving. You’ll be enjoying this delicious salad in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Begin by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse them under cold water to cool. Set them aside for later.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon slices until they are crisp. When done, remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. Once the bacon has cooled down, crumble it into small pieces.
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, mix together the cooked tortellini, broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and crumbled bacon. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for a perfect blend of flavors!
4. Mix the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This dressing will bring all the flavors together!
5. Toss it All Together:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are nicely coated. If desired, you can add more black pepper to suit your taste.
6. Chill the Salad:
For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Broccoli BLT Tortellini Salad cold or at room temperature. Enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and savory goodness that makes this salad a standout dish at any meal!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute the broccoli with other veggies like cauliflower, peas, or bell peppers. Just make sure they’re chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make it vegan! Use plant-based cheese tortellini, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives, and swap out the bacon for crispy chickpeas or smoked tempeh.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to enjoy the salad fresh, but if you do store it, the flavors will meld even more after a day!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can make the salad a day in advance. Just add the dressing and toss it right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. Enjoy the convenience of having a delicious dish ready to go!