Preparing Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is straightforward and fun. Follow these simple steps to create this incredible dish:

1. Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Generally, this will take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. This will also keep them from sticking together.

3. Prepare Vegetables: While the tortellini is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, cucumber, and olives.

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked and cooled tortellini, and mix in the chopped vegetables.

5. Add Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the tortellini and vegetables. Stir gently to combine until everything is evenly coated.

6. Season: Add salt, pepper, and fresh basil to taste. Mix well.

7. Chill: For best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

8. Serve: Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

These straightforward steps ensure you create a pasta salad that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Enjoy the process of making this dish, as it guarantees satisfaction with every bite!