Step by step

Method

3 steps

1. 1

   Boil a 20 oz package of cheese tortellini in well-salted water until just al dente (usually 1–2 minutes under the package time). Drain and rinse briefly under cool water so it stops cooking and doesn't stick into a brick.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved), 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls, 1 cup sliced cucumber, ½ cup sliced black olives, ¼ cup diced red onion, and ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil.

3. 3

   Pour on ½ cup Italian dressing and toss until everything looks glossy. Season with salt and pepper. Chill at least 20 minutes so the dressing soaks in — taste again before serving and add another splash of dressing if it looks dry. You want chilled, well-dressed tortellini with juicy tomatoes in every bite — not a dry pasta clump or a watery dressing puddle at the bottom.