Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a seriously crave-worthy crowd-pleaser, this Tortellini Pasta Salad is about to become your go-to! Cheesy tortellini, crisp veggies, briny olives, and a zesty homemade dressing come together in a dish that’s bursting with flavor and color. Whether it’s for summer picnics, meal prep, or an easy weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is pure happiness in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to a fresh and irresistible Tortellini Pasta Salad really is in the ingredients! Each one brings texture, color, and a burst of flavor—so don’t be afraid to use the best you can find for a truly show-stopping salad.

• Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz): The star of the show—cheesy-filled pillows that bring richness and body to every bite.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Juicy and sweet, they add a pop of color and freshness.
• Cucumber (peeled & chopped): Brings cool crunch and a refreshing contrast in every forkful.
• Red onion (½, thinly sliced): Adds a subtle bite and a gorgeous purple hue—soak slices in cold water to tone down the sharpness if you like.
• Kalamata olives (1 cup, pitted & chopped): Briny and bold, they create brilliant bursts of Mediterranean flavor.
• Fresh mozzarella balls (1 cup): Creamy and mild, perfect for balancing big flavors.
• Salami or pepperoni (½ cup, chopped): Lends salty, savory goodness—use your favorite or skip for a vegetarian twist.
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds cheesy depth and a little umami magic.
• Baby spinach or arugula (2 cups): Delivers crisp greens and a peppery bite, making the salad feel fresh and light.
• Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): A game changer—herby, fragrant, and the taste of summer.
• Extra virgin olive oil (½ cup): The base of your lovely homemade dressing—choose the best you can spare!
• Red wine vinegar (¼ cup): Adds bright acidity and balance to round out all those rich flavors.
• Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): For a little zing and depth in the dressing.
• Honey (1 tsp): Rounds out the tang and brings a hint of sweetness to the vinaigrette.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Because a quick hit of garlic makes the whole salad sing.
• Dried oregano (½ tsp): Classic Italian herb flavor—feel free to use fresh if you prefer.
• Salt and pepper: To pull every last bit of flavor together at the end.

Variations

One of the best things about Tortellini Pasta Salad is how easy it is to make it your own. Swap in seasonal veggies, play with the protein, or tailor it to suit your taste buds and any guests around the table!

• Vegetarian Delight: Omit the salami or pepperoni and pile on extra veggies like roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or steamed asparagus.
• Mediterranean Twist: Use sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and marinated artichokes for a Mediterranean-inspired spin.
• Packed with Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cannellini beans to keep things satisfying for a main dish.
• Switch the Greens: Try baby kale, spring mix, or even finely shredded romaine for a different texture.
• Bold & Spicy: Spice it up with pickled pepperoncini or toss in some red pepper flakes for extra kick.

How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your cheese tortellini according to package directions, just until al dente. This ensures every tortellini is perfectly tender but not falling apart. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool them down fast.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

While the pasta cooks, shake up your homemade dressing! In a jar with a tight-fitting lid (or a mixing bowl), combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a really good shake (or whisk) until it looks creamy and everything is well blended.

Step 3: Dress the Pasta First

As soon as the tortellini are drained and cool, pour half of the dressing over the pasta and toss gently to coat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes—this little trick lets the pasta soak up plenty of flavor right from the start!

Step 4: Add the Veggies, Cheese & Goodies

Now it’s the fun part! Add your halved tomatoes, chopped cucumber, sliced red onion, kalamata olives, fresh mozzarella balls, chopped salami, grated Parmesan, fresh greens, and lots of basil to the bowl with tortellini. Pour over the rest of the dressing and toss again so every morsel shines with flavor.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

Cover the whole salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is so important—the flavors meld together, and the pasta salad becomes extra refreshing. Before serving, toss once more and taste for seasoning, adding a pinch more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan for that chef’s kiss finish!

How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Give your salad a restaurant-worthy touch with a final shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of extra chopped basil, or even some toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes. These simple garnishes make each serving look and taste extra special!

Side Dishes

Tortellini Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with everything from grilled chicken or shrimp to a simple crusty bread. It also shines next to grilled vegetables, skewers, or as part of a lunch spread with fruit and sparkling drinks for the ultimate picnic.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or picnics, serve your pasta salad in a wide, shallow bowl with extra toppings artfully arranged on top. You could even scoop portions into mason jars for individual servings, or pack it into lettuce cups for a fresh handheld appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tortellini Pasta Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle toss and refresh with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon before serving if it seems a bit dry.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can change the texture of the tortellini and veggies. If you must, freeze the tortellini alone, then add fresh mix-ins and dressing after thawing for the best results.

Reheating

Tortellini Pasta Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat! If you prefer it a bit less chilled, simply let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Tortellini Pasta Salad a try—it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to bring to every gathering, and there’s always an empty bowl at the end! Bright, bold, and bursting with flavor, it’s a true celebration in every bite. Enjoy, share, and make it your own!

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