Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavor-packed dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches. Cheesy tortellini are tossed with colorful veggies, fresh herbs, salami, and mozzarella, then coated in a zesty homemade Italian vinaigrette. It’s a simple yet satisfying salad that can be made ahead and served chilled or at room temperature. Whether as a side dish or a standalone meal, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

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
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 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the tortellini in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and transfer to a large bowl.
In a jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shake until well blended.
Pour half the dressing over the warm tortellini and toss gently. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, mozzarella, salami, Parmesan, spinach, and basil to the bowl.
Pour the remaining dressing over everything and toss gently to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 420
Protein: 16g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 720mg
Cholesterol: 35mg

Why Tortellini Makes It Special

While most pasta salads rely on rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta, using cheese-stuffed tortellini transforms the dish from ordinary to unforgettable. The tender pasta paired with creamy cheese filling adds an indulgent touch that doesn’t require extra effort. Each bite delivers texture and flavor, making it more substantial and satisfying than traditional cold pasta salads.

Tortellini also holds up well when mixed with dressing and other ingredients, maintaining its bite and shape even after chilling. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dish that tastes just as good, if not better, after a few hours in the fridge.

A Burst of Color and Crunch

Tortellini Pasta Salad is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. With bright cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, dark olives, and leafy greens like spinach or arugula, the dish becomes a rainbow of fresh, vibrant colors. The variety of textures—chewy tortellini, juicy vegetables, and creamy mozzarella—keeps every bite interesting.

The vegetables not only add freshness but also provide a cooling balance to the richness of the tortellini and salami. This harmonious blend makes the salad feel light and energizing, even though it’s full of bold, satisfying flavors.

Zesty Homemade Vinaigrette That Pulls It All Together

The dressing is what ties all the ingredients together. A simple homemade vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey, and oregano adds a tangy, slightly sweet depth that complements the savory elements of the salad. It soaks into the tortellini and coats the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors without overpowering them.

Unlike creamy dressings, this vinaigrette keeps the salad feeling fresh and clean, perfect for warm-weather meals or lighter eating. It also helps the salad stay vibrant for hours, making it ideal for prepping ahead or bringing to gatherings.

Customizable for Any Occasion or Preference

One of the best things about Tortellini Pasta Salad is how easy it is to customize. You can swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand—think bell peppers, zucchini, cherry peppers, or artichoke hearts. For the protein, salami adds a nice savory punch, but you can easily substitute grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

The cheese element is also adaptable. While mozzarella balls are a popular addition, cubes of provolone or shaved Parmesan work just as well. You can even skip the meat and cheese altogether and load it with extra vegetables and nuts for a plant-based version.

With such flexibility, this salad can suit a variety of diets, preferences, and occasions. From potlucks to bridal showers, lunchboxes to dinner sides, it adapts beautifully every time.

Meal Prep Friendly and Perfect for Leftovers

This dish is not only great for entertaining—it also excels at feeding you throughout the week. Tortellini Pasta Salad holds up well in the fridge for several days, which makes it perfect for meal prepping lunches or easy grab-and-go dinners. As the salad chills, the flavors continue to meld, often making it taste even better the next day.

Just give it a good toss before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can even freshen it up with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil to bring back its original shine.

A Balanced Bowl of Flavor and Nutrition

While pasta salads often get a bad rap nutritionally, this version offers a fairly balanced plate. The cheese tortellini provides a mix of protein and carbohydrates for energy, while the vegetables deliver fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The olives and olive oil contribute heart-healthy fats, and the salami adds a bit of indulgence without overwhelming the dish.

With approximately 16 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving, this pasta salad is more filling than most, making it a complete meal on its own. It satisfies without being heavy, and the fresh herbs and vegetables bring a natural brightness that makes it feel clean and wholesome.

Ideal for Warm Weather and Outdoor Gatherings

Tortellini Pasta Salad is especially well-suited for spring and summer meals. Served chilled or at room temperature, it’s refreshing and easy to transport, which makes it an excellent addition to barbecues, beach days, or backyard picnics. Unlike creamy salads that can spoil quickly, the vinaigrette-based dressing holds up well outside of the refrigerator for longer periods.

You can serve it in a large bowl for sharing or portion it out into mason jars or bento boxes for individual servings. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or crusty bread and can also serve as the centerpiece of a light vegetarian meal.

Easy to Elevate for Special Occasions

Although simple and straightforward, Tortellini Pasta Salad can be dressed up for more formal settings. Using high-quality ingredients—like heirloom cherry tomatoes, imported olives, or fresh buffalo mozzarella—adds a touch of gourmet flair. A sprinkle of microgreens, toasted pine nuts, or a balsamic glaze drizzle can transform it from casual picnic fare to an elegant plated dish.

It’s also a great side for holiday feasts, Italian-themed dinners, or even brunches. Its versatility makes it a reliable addition to any menu, no matter the season or occasion.

Conclusion: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic with a Flavorful Twist

Tortellini Pasta Salad is more than just another pasta dish—it’s a flavor-packed, texture-rich, and visually stunning recipe that combines comfort with freshness. It brings together the creaminess of cheese-filled pasta, the crispness of garden vegetables, and the tang of zesty vinaigrette to create a balanced, crave-worthy dish.

Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, prepping your lunches for the week, or looking for a light yet satisfying dinner option, this salad delivers every time. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and consistently delicious—earning its place as a go-to recipe for all kinds of occasions.

From casual to elegant, this pasta salad proves that simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can create something truly memorable.

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