Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

There’s just something irresistible about a bowl brimming with Tortellini Pasta Salad: plump pasta pockets, vibrant veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing all working together in perfect harmony. This recipe transforms a few simple ingredients into a refreshing and satisfying meal for any season. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a potluck with friends, or just craving something bright and flavorful for lunch, this salad delivers everything you love—creamy cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, salty olives, and fresh herbs—all tossed together for the ultimate pasta salad experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Tortellini Pasta Salad truly shines thanks to its medley of simple, everyday ingredients—each brings its own note to the colorful melody of flavors and textures. With bold cheeses, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing, every bite is delightfully balanced and anything but boring!

• Cheese Tortellini (20 oz): Refrigerated tortellini cooks in minutes and provides a tender, cheesy foundation for the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Sweet, juicy tomatoes add rainbow color and a pop of freshness.
• Cucumber (peeled and chopped): Brings a cool, crisp crunch to balance the richness of the cheese and salami.
• Red Onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Sliced paper-thin for a hint of bite and lovely violet color.
• Kalamata Olives (1 cup, pitted and chopped): This briny kick brings Mediterranean flair to every forkful.
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls (1 cup): Creamy and delicate, they soak up the tangy dressing beautifully.
• Salami or Pepperoni (1/2 cup, chopped): For a little extra flavor and protein—choose your favorite!
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds bold, nutty umami in every bite.
• Baby Spinach or Arugula (2 cups): Fresh greens offer a peppery note and extra nutrition.
• Fresh Basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Because nothing beats the sweet, aromatic punch of basil.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/2 cup): The foundation for a lush, flavorful vinaigrette.
• Red Wine Vinegar (1/4 cup): Brings acidity and zing to the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Helps emulsify the dressing and adds subtle heat.
• Honey (1 tsp): Just a touch for balance and mellow sweetness.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Earthy and aromatic, garlic ties the vinaigrette together.
• Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp): Dried herbs amplify the overall flavor of the dish.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for making every flavor shine.

How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your cheese tortellini. Follow the package instructions for perfect al dente pasta—usually just 3-5 minutes. Once they’re plump and floating, drain immediately and rinse under cold water. Cooling stops the cooking process and keeps the tortellini from getting mushy, making them ideal for salad.

Step 2: Make the Homemade Dressing

While the pasta cooks, combine your olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper in a jar. Tighten the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is fully emulsified and creamy—this takes only 30 seconds but makes all the difference.

Step 3: Dress the Tortellini

Pour half of the zippy dressing over the warm, freshly drained tortellini, and toss gently so every piece is coated. Let it cool for about 10 minutes—this step not only flavors the pasta but keeps it from sticking together.

Step 4: Add the Veggies, Cheeses, and Cured Meats

Now toss in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, mozzarella balls, chopped salami or pepperoni, grated Parmesan, fresh baby spinach or arugula, and basil. Drizzle over the remaining dressing, and toss gently to combine everything—you want those delicious flavors in every bite!

Step 5: Chill the Salad

Cover the bowl or transfer to a large container, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chill time is essential for letting the Tortellini Pasta Salad flavors meld together beautifully. Toss again and adjust seasoning before serving; sometimes the salad soaks up the salt and vinegar as it sits.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When ready to serve, give your pasta salad a little extra love with more chopped basil and a final shower of grated Parmesan. Serve chilled or let it come to room temperature—either way, it’s absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and scatter a few small basil leaves on top. You can also add fresh-cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving for a luxe look and flavor. These final flourishes aren’t just pretty—they invite everyone to dig in!

Side Dishes

Tortellini Pasta Salad pairs well with so many delicious sides. For a full meal, offer it alongside grilled chicken, simple crusty bread, or a light soup. Even a platter of roasted seasonal veggies makes a wonderful companion. It’s equally tasty as part of a picnic spread or buffet table.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just toss it in a bowl—try scooping the salad into mason jars for picnics, or pile it high in a large platter garnished with extra fresh herbs and edible flowers. Serve it on a bed of greens for extra color or nestle it into lettuce cups as a light, fun appetizer. With Tortellini Pasta Salad, presentation is just another way to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tortellini Pasta Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta soaks up the flavors of the dressing, which only makes the salad tastier with time. If you notice things getting a little dry, simply drizzle on a splash of olive oil before serving.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing cooked tortellini and fresh veggies can change their texture dramatically. The cheese may become chewy and the vegetables soggy after thawing, so save the freezing for your pasta-only leftovers if needed.

Reheating

Tortellini Pasta Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so you won’t need to reheat it. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, let it sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving. It’s the perfect make-ahead option for busy days or easy lunches!

FAQs

Can I make Tortellini Pasta Salad the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare the salad as instructed and refrigerate overnight. In fact, letting it sit allows the flavors to meld and makes it even more delicious. If it seems dry the next day, just add a splash of olive oil or a bit more dressing before serving.

What are the best tortellini for this recipe?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini is the go-to for this salad because it has the right balance of tender texture and cheesiness. You can use spinach or prosciutto-filled tortellini for variety, but make sure to cook them al dente for best results.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes! Simply skip the salami or pepperoni and load up with more veggies—think roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes. The Tortellini Pasta Salad will still be packed with flavor and protein from the cheese tortellini and mozzarella balls.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Tortellini Pasta Salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored properly in an airtight container. Give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and consider adding a bit of fresh basil or extra cheese to wake up the flavors.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

If you’re in a hurry, a good-quality Italian vinaigrette can substitute for homemade. However, making your own dressing means you can adjust the flavor to your liking and keep things extra fresh—your Tortellini Pasta Salad will thank you!

Final Thoughts

With its bold colors, incredible flavors, and crowd-pleasing appeal, Tortellini Pasta Salad just might become your new go-to dish for any occasion. It’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit—so grab your favorite bowl and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will celebrate every bite!

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