Healthy Senior Recipe: Colorful Veggie Tortellini Salad

Healthy Recipe: Veggie Tortellini Salad

Cheese-stuffed tortellini meets a rainbow of fresh veggies in this vibrant, senior-friendly salad. The three-ingredient pesto vinaigrette keeps it simple, while olives, artichokes, and feta add Mediterranean flavor. Perfect as a meal or side dish, and holds well in the fridge for easy make-ahead meals.

Serves 8

Ingredients:

Pesto Vinaigrette:

• ½ cup prepared pesto

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salad:

• 1 tablespoon salt, plus more to taste

• 1 (20-ounce) package cheese-stuffed tortellini

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 medium cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced into half-moons

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup halved, pitted kalamata olives

• 1 (12-ounce) jar quartered marinated artichoke hearts, drained

• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

• Black pepper

Instructions:

1. Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together pesto, lemon juice, and olive oil in a small bowl. Set aside.

2. Cook tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain, and rinse with cold water to cool.

3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, gently fold cooked tortellini with peppers, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and feta.

4. Finish: Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for 1–2 days.

5. If made ahead, allow salad to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Why This Recipe Is Great for Senior Fitness

• Rich in Fiber & Vegetables: Supports digestion, heart health, and healthy weight.

• Good Protein & Calcium Source: Cheese and tortellini provide protein for muscle maintenance and calcium for bones.

• Easy to Make & Store: Perfect for seniors looking for quick, make-ahead meals with lasting freshness.