Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tortellini Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of fresh, savory, and tangy flavors that makes for a delicious and satisfying dish. This easy-to-make salad features soft, cheesy tortellini paired with vibrant vegetables, salty olives, and savory meats, creating a well-balanced meal or side dish. Whether you’re making it for a summer picnic, BBQ, or as a meal prep option, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s both refreshing and filling. It’s also customizable to suit your taste, so feel free to mix it up with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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 turkey pepperoni or chicken salami

Directions

1. Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes for refrigerated tortellini. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the veggies and meats: While the tortellini is cooling, prepare the vegetables and meats. Halve the cherry tomatoes, peel and chop the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, chop the kalamata olives, and cut the fresh mozzarella balls into halves or quarters. Chop the turkey pepperoni or chicken salami into bite-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled tortellini with the chopped vegetables, olives, mozzarella, and pepperoni or salami.
4. Add dressing: Drizzle your favorite dressing over the salad. A simple balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing works great, but you can use any dressing you prefer.
5. Toss and serve: Toss everything together until the salad is well mixed and evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld together.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add greens: Toss in some spinach, arugula, or mixed greens to add extra crunch and freshness to the salad.
• Add more veggies: Customize the salad by adding ingredients like bell peppers, olives, artichokes, or roasted red peppers.
• Make it creamy: For a creamier version, add some mayo or Greek yogurt to your dressing.

Storage/Reheating

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best served cold and can be enjoyed as leftovers the next day.
• The salad doesn’t need reheating. Just give it a good stir before serving if the dressing has settled.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook it according to the package instructions, and be sure to let it cool before adding it to the salad.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta salad a day ahead. Just cover it and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

Is this salad gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains cheese tortellini made with wheat flour. However, you can use gluten-free tortellini to make this salad gluten-free.

What type of dressing should I use?

You can use any dressing you like, but Italian dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this pasta salad. For a creamy version, try ranch or Caesar dressing.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Yes! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beans to make it a more filling, protein-packed dish.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli, to customize the salad.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can swap the fresh mozzarella for other cheeses like feta, cheddar, or provolone if you prefer.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can make this salad vegan by using plant-based tortellini and omitting the cheese and meats. You can add tofu or other plant-based proteins instead.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

To prevent the pasta from getting mushy, be sure to cook the tortellini al dente and allow it to cool completely before adding it to the salad.

Can I serve this warm?

This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature, as the flavors develop better when it has time to chill in the fridge.

Conclusion

Tortellini Pasta Salad is a light, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner, a picnic, or a potluck, this salad is quick, easy, and customizable to your tastes. With its combination of pasta, fresh vegetables, savory meats, and tangy dressing, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.