Crispy Tortellini Avocado Ranch Salad Recipe
One of the best things about tortellini is that you don’t have to make it yourself (unless you really want to — we won’t stop you overachievers out there). That makes it a natural pairing for something like a Taylor Chopped Salad Kit, which also requires almost zero effort on your end.
In this case, it’s the makings of our Avocado Ranch Chopped Kit, with fresh greens, crisp corn, green onions, taco cheese blend, and a creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing — the ideal foundation for crispy, air-fried tortellini coated in a savory blend of Italian seasonings and parmesan. And it’s all ready in under 15 minutes. Have we just invented a new type of quick fusion cuisine? You be the judge.
- Active Time:
- 10 minutes
- Total TIME:
- 15 minutes
- SERVINGS:
- 2
Ingredients
- 1 Taylor Farms Avocado Ranch Chopped Kit
- 9–10 oz fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp grated parmesan (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Directions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Add tortellini to a bowl and toss with olive oil. If using, add parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then toss again until evenly coated.
- Spread tortellini in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Prepare the Taylor Farms Avocado Ranch Chopped Kit according to package directions.
- Top salad with warm crispy tortellini and serve immediately!
Did tortellini come from Venus?
According to pasta lore, tortellini comes from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, especially the areas around Bologna and Modena, where stuffed pasta has been part of family meals for many generations. It’s also a proud member of the exclusive Foods That Look Like the Name Sounds Club. The small ring-shaped pasta is traditionally filled with meat, cheese, or a mix of both, then folded by hand into its signature tortellini shape. There’s even a popular legend that tortellini was inspired by the shape of Venus’s navel, which is a pretty memorable origin story for something you can now grab at the grocery store.
Tortellini was often served in broth for holidays and special occasions, but it has found its way into all kinds of everyday meals, like the recipe you’re reading right now. These days, it works in soups, baked pastas, pasta salads, and quick skillet dinners. It still feels a little special due to the intricate, Roman goddess-inspired shape, but it’s always easy enough to use on a busy weeknight, just like any other pasta.
