Name: Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cup cucumber (diced); 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup black olives (sliced); 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella; 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade); Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re seeking a satisfying, flavor-packed dish that bridges the best of Italian-inspired comfort food and vibrant, fresh salads, this Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser: cheesy pillows of tortellini tossed with crunchy veggies, briny olives, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all coated in lively Italian dressing. Whether you need a picnic superstar, a make-ahead lunch, or the perfect side for your next cookout, this salad checks all the boxes for simplicity, versatility, and downright deliciousness.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable ingredients, each one bringing a unique flavor or texture that takes the salad from “just pasta” to something genuinely special. Don’t skip a thing if you want the perfect balance in your Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe!

Cheese tortellini, 1 pound: Fresh or refrigerated is best for pillowy softness and rich, cheesy flavor.
Cherry tomatoes, 1 cup (halved): Juicy, sweet bursts of summery goodness in every bite.
Cucumber, 1 cup (diced): Cool, crisp freshness that adds crunch and contrast.
Red onion, 1/2 cup (thinly sliced): A gentle bite and gorgeous color—soaking slices briefly in cold water can mellow the sharpness.
Black olives, 1/2 cup (sliced): For that unmistakable, briny pop and Mediterranean vibe.
Mozzarella pearls or cubes, 1/2 cup: Creamy, mild, and perfectly balanced against the tangy dressing.
Fresh basil, 1/4 cup (chopped): Bright, aromatic flavor that screams “summer.”
Grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup: Adds a salty, nutty depth—just a sprinkle lifts everything.
Italian dressing, 1/3 cup: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade; it ties the whole salad together with zest and tang.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that let every ingredient shine.

How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by cooking your cheese tortellini according to the package directions—usually just a quick dip in boiling water for a few minutes. Don’t wander too far; overcooked tortellini will get mushy, and you want them to hold their shape. Once perfectly tender, drain immediately and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta, so your salad stays bright and fresh.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Add-ins

While the tortellini cools, chop all your veggies and herbs. Halve those cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the basil. If you’re prepping ahead, you can soak the onions in a bit of ice water to take the edge off their raw bite. Having everything ready before assembly makes this a breeze!

Step 3: Toss Ingredients Together

In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, sliced black olives, and mozzarella pearls or cubes. Drizzle the Italian dressing evenly over everything, then add in your chopped basil. Gently toss—the tortellini are delicate, so use a light hand to avoid breaking them while making sure every fold and crevice gets coated in that zippy dressing.

Step 4: Season and Add Cheese

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Give the salad another gentle toss so the Parmesan melts just slightly into the dressing, giving the whole dish a rich, savory lift. Taste at this point—you can add a bit more dressing or seasoning if you like.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Transfer your Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe to the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This relaxes the flavors and lets everything mingle. Serve your pasta salad straight from the fridge or let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving—the flavors will be even more vibrant.

How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

This salad loves a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few torn basil leaves, or even a scatter of pine nuts for added crunch. Don’t underestimate the difference a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a crack of black pepper can make right before serving—you’ll be amazed at how they wake up the flavors.

Side Dishes

The Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe fits beautifully alongside classic barbecue fare: think grilled chicken, steak, or burgers. It also pairs well with lighter mains like roasted fish or pulled apart with some crusty garlic bread and a green salad for a simple, unforgettable vegetarian spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive! Serve the salad in tall mason jars for picnics, heap it onto a big wooden board for family-style dining, or spoon small portions into lettuce cups for a lighter, party-ready handheld. For color, try tri-color tortellini or arrange your veggies in rainbow order for a show-stopper effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s good for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits. If the salad seems to dry out, revive it with a splash of extra dressing before serving.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended. The tortellini and fresh vegetables can turn watery or mushy once thawed, so this salad really shines when enjoyed freshly made or just slightly chilled from the fridge.

Reheating

This is one of those recipes best served cold or at room temperature; no reheating required! If you do want to warm it a bit, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, but avoid microwaving to preserve the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it actually improves if you make it a few hours ahead and let it rest in the fridge. The flavors have time to meld, making every bite even tastier. If serving later, you may want to add a little extra dressing just before serving to keep everything moist and flavorful.

What can I use instead of mozzarella pearls?

If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, just cut a fresh mozzarella ball into small cubes, or even use bocconcini sliced in half. Goat cheese crumbles or feta are tasty alternatives for a different flavor profile.

Is this Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this version is completely vegetarian if you choose a cheese tortellini made without animal rennet and use vegetarian Parmesan. It’s hearty enough for a main course, but also flexible if you want to add proteins like grilled chicken or salami.

Can I change up the vegetables?

Definitely! This salad is all about flexibility. Feel free to swap in bell peppers, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra variety—or whatever crisp, fresh veggies you love best.

What kind of dressing works best?

Traditional Italian dressing brings a zesty, herbal kick that pairs beautifully with the ingredients, but you can use a balsamic vinaigrette or even a homemade lemon-herb dressing if you prefer. Just keep the quantity the same so the salad doesn’t get soggy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof, ultra-satisfying dish to brighten up any table, this Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe is your answer. It’s as flavorful as it is forgiving, ready for tweaking and perfect for sharing. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite!

Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal. Cheese-filled tortellini combined with fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and a flavorful dressing create a colorful and tasty salad that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale

Tortellini Pasta Salad Ingredients:

1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup cucumber (diced)
1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, mozzarella, and basil.
Add Dressing: Drizzle with Italian dressing and gently toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
Final Touches: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, toss again, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.