There’s something magical about a good pasta salad—it’s fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to throw together. But when you swap regular pasta for cheese-filled tortellini? Game-changer. This Tortellini Pasta Salad is loaded with bright veggies, savory meats, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together in the best way possible.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light main course, trust me—you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Packed with Flavor: Every bite is bursting with tangy, herby, cheesy goodness.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just minutes—great for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable: Switch up the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients in Tortellini Pasta Salad
Cheese Tortellini: The star of the show—soft, cheesy, and so satisfying.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, adding a fresh pop of color.
Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, balancing out the richness of the tortellini.
Red Onion: Adds a slight bite and sharpness to the salad.
Black Olives: Briny and salty, enhancing the overall flavor.
Mozzarella Balls: Soft and creamy, giving each bite a deliciously cheesy texture.
Pepperoni or Salami: A little meaty kick to make this salad extra hearty.
Fresh Basil: Bright, herby, and totally necessary.
Parmesan Cheese: Because a little extra cheese never hurts.
Italian Dressing: The magic ingredient that ties everything together with bold, zesty flavor.
Instructions
Cook the Tortellini: Boil the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Chop the Veggies: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and drain the olives.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, mozzarella balls, and meat of choice.
Add the Dressing: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Garnish & Chill: Sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve cold and enjoy every flavorful, cheesy bite!
How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad
- As a Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or seafood.
- As a Light Meal: Enjoy it on its own for a refreshing, satisfying lunch.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread for the ultimate combo.
- With Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for an even heartier dish.
- For a Picnic: This salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings since it holds up well.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Tortellini: Refrigerated tortellini has the best texture and cooks quickly.
- Chill Before Serving: The flavors get even better after the salad sits for a bit.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more veggies or chickpeas for protein.
- Swap the Dressing: Try pesto, balsamic vinaigrette, or homemade lemon-garlic dressing for a twist.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A1: Yes! Just cook it according to the package, then rinse with cold water before using.
Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Q3: How do I keep it from getting soggy?
A3: If making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss before serving.
Q4: Can I add more veggies?
A4: Yes! Bell peppers, artichokes, or spinach are great additions.
Q5: Can I use a different cheese?
A5: Of course! Feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar work well too.
Q6: Is there a dairy-free option?
A6: Use dairy-free tortellini and skip the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Q7: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A7: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q8: Can I serve it warm?
A8: Yes! While it’s best chilled, it can be served warm as well.
Q9: Can I make my own dressing?
A9: Definitely! A mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs works great.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! This salad is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Final Thoughts
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is the perfect mix of fresh, cheesy, and zesty flavors. Whether you’re making it for a party, a weekday lunch, or a meal-prep staple, it’s a guaranteed hit. Give it a try, and let me know how you customize yours!
Print
Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed side dish perfect for any occasion! Tender cheese tortellini is tossed with a zesty homemade dressing, fresh veggies, mozzarella, and salami, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 17–20 ounces cheese tortellini (1 large package)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 ounces grape tomatoes, halved (2 pints)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (1 package)
- 1 cup chopped salami or summer sausage
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and let it cool in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the grape tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, bell pepper, pepperoncini, red onion, parsley, and basil to the bowl. Toss well to coat with the dressing.
- Once the tortellini is cool, add it to the salad and toss again until evenly mixed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or substitute with chickpeas.
- Can be made a day ahead—just give it a toss before serving!
- Swap red wine vinegar for balsamic for a slightly sweeter dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg