Name: Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped; 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls; 1/2 cup chopped salami or pepperoni; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach or arugula; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp honey; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to make a colorful, fresh, and completely crowd-pleasing dish, Tortellini Pasta Salad is your new best friend. This zesty, Italian-inspired salad brims with pillowy cheese tortellini, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, tangy red onion, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a bright homemade dressing. It’s a summer staple but holds its own all year round, perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or family dinners—truly the sort of recipe you’ll find yourself craving again and again!

Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Tortellini Pasta Salad lies in its simple yet bold ingredients. Each component brings its own personality—freshness, crunch, saltiness, or creamy richness—that, together, create a perfectly balanced dish you’ll want to revisit often.

Cheese Tortellini (20 oz): These little pasta pillows hold delicious cheese and provide the hearty base for the salad.
Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Adds juiciness and a pop of vibrant color to every bite.
Cucumber (1, peeled and chopped): Gives a lovely, cool crunch that balances the richness of the pasta and cheese.
Red Onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Brings just the right punchy bite and color contrast.
Kalamata Olives (1 cup, pitted and chopped): Offers a salty, briny kick that wakes up all the flavors.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls (1 cup): Adds a creamy, mild element that pairs perfectly with the pasta and veggies.
Salami or Pepperoni (1/2 cup, chopped): Gives the salad a savory, meaty depth—totally optional but always crowd-pleasing.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Provides salty, nutty flavor that melts deliciously into the dressing.
Baby Spinach or Arugula (2 cups): Brings in freshness and a hint of green that looks as good as it tastes.
Fresh Basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Lends irresistible aromatic notes and a burst of herbal flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/2 cup): The rich base for your homemade vinaigrette.
Red Wine Vinegar (1/4 cup): Offers acidity to balance the richness of the salad and lift all the flavors.
Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): For a subtle, tangy sharpness in the dressing.
Honey (1 tsp): Adds just a touch of sweetness to round out the acidity.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Brings a hint of spice and savory depth to the vinaigrette.
Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp): Classic Italian seasoning that enhances the salad’s Mediterranean vibe.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Seasoning essentials to ensure every flavor shines.

How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini following the package directions until they’re perfectly al dente—tender but still with a bit of bite. Once they’re ready, drain and immediately rinse under cold water. This halts the cooking process and keeps the tortellini from sticking together. Transfer them into a large mixing bowl, ready for all the vibrant toppings to come!

Step 2: Make the Zesty Homemade Dressing

While the pasta cooks, grab a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, plus salt and pepper. Give it a good shake until the dressing is fully blended and creamy-looking. If you don’t have a jar, simply whisk everything together in a bowl—the key is making sure it’s totally emulsified.

Step 3: Dress the Tortellini

Pour about half of your tangy homemade vinaigrette right over the warm tortellini. Toss gently so each piece gets coated with flavor, then allow it to cool for ten minutes. This little step helps the tortellini soak up all that deliciousness, giving your salad extra oomph.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add in your halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, chopped salami or pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, spinach or arugula, and fresh basil. Drizzle the rest of the dressing over everything, then toss carefully to combine. You want every forkful of your Tortellini Pasta Salad to be a kaleidoscope of flavors and textures!

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle

Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours, if you have the time. This is when the magic happens: all the ingredients meld together, and the flavors intensify. Before serving, give it a final gentle toss and taste for seasoning. Add a bit more salt, pepper, or even a splash more vinegar if you’re craving extra brightness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

To finish, garnish with a little extra fresh basil and Parmesan if you like. Tortellini Pasta Salad can be served chilled for crispness or let it sit out a bit to come closer to room temperature for even fuller flavor. Dig in and enjoy every savory, tangy, herby bite!

How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, extra grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper make irresistible finishing touches. And if you want a subtle richness, drizzle with a little more olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. Serve it alongside soups or at a picnic with other classic Mediterranean sides like hummus and pita for a well-rounded feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad in colorful bowls for a fun, family-style meal, or scoop individual portions into mason jars for picnics and lunchboxes. For entertaining, try arranging it on a large platter with extra basil and edible flowers for a show-stopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Tortellini Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen even more as it sits, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it. Freezing is not recommended, as the pasta and veggies won’t keep their lovely texture once thawed.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat—Tortellini Pasta Salad is delicious served cold or at room temperature! If you prefer it slightly warmed, let it sit out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Just cook frozen tortellini according to package instructions. Be sure to rinse under cold water so they don’t overcook and remain firm in your salad.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Definitely—just skip the salami or pepperoni for a fully vegetarian version. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the cheese, olives, and fresh veggies.

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can assemble Tortellini Pasta Salad up to a day in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors deepen and meld together.

What mix-ins can I add for extra crunch?

Try tossing in chopped bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds. These add texture and fun pops of flavor!

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully, making Tortellini Pasta Salad ideal for parties, potlucks, or big family gatherings. Just use a really large bowl for mixing.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Tortellini Pasta Salad enough; it has everything you want in a dish—freshness, heartiness, and loads of flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a party or packing up leftovers for lunch, it’s always a welcome addition to the table. Give it a try, and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen!

Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, olives, mozzarella, and a flavorful dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish for gatherings.

Instructions

Cook Tortellini: Cook tortellini in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse, and transfer to a bowl.
Make Dressing: Combine olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake to emulsify.
Toss with Dressing: Pour half of the dressing over warm tortellini, toss gently, and let cool.
Combine Ingredients: Add remaining ingredients to the tortellini bowl, pour the remaining dressing, and toss gently.
Refrigerate: Chill the salad for at least 2 hours to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with basil and Parmesan before serving chilled or at room temperature.