When you’re craving something light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, Tortellini Pasta Salad is your go-to dish! This vibrant salad combines cheesy tortellini with crisp vegetables, savory meats, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick make-ahead lunches.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Flavor-Packed: Every bite is bursting with the perfect mix of tangy, savory, and fresh ingredients.
- Gorgeous Colors: Bright tomatoes, crisp greens, and creamy cheese make this salad as pretty as it is delicious.
- Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients, easy prep, and no complicated steps.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead: Chilling enhances the flavor, making this ideal for prepping ahead of time.
🥗 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (or pearls)
- ½ cup chopped salami or pepperoni
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
🥄 How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Tortellini
Boil in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the Dressing
In a jar, combine olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shake until emulsified.
3. Dress the Tortellini
Pour half the dressing over the warm tortellini. Toss gently and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the Remaining Ingredients
Mix in the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, mozzarella, salami, Parmesan, spinach, and basil. Pour the remaining dressing over and toss again.
5. Chill the Salad
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to fully develop.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Toss one more time before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or basil if desired. Serve cold or at room temperature.
✅ Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Switch it up: Try meat-filled or spinach tortellini instead of cheese.
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto for more protein.
- Use what you have: Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or marinated artichokes add extra flair.
- Mix up the cheese: Try cubed mozzarella or burrata for a creamy variation.
- Perfect for parties: Easy to double and always a crowd favorite.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare everything except spinach/arugula and the remaining dressing. Add them just before serving for best texture.
- Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it dries out, add a splash of extra dressing or vinegar to refresh it.
🍴 Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: ~370 kcal per serving