Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe: A Summer Favorite You’ll Make Again and Again
When the temps rise and you’re craving something light but still totally satisfying, this Tortellini Pasta Salad hits the spot every single time. It’s the perfect dish to bring to backyard barbecues, potlucks, or even just enjoy at home with the family. Cheesy tortellini tossed with fresh veggies, savory salami, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing—it’s the kind of crowd-pleasing recipe that disappears fast. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and holds up great in the fridge. That means you can make it ahead and enjoy the leftovers (if there are any) the next day. Win-win.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful pasta salad:
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 3/4 cup salami, diced or sliced into strips
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Recipe Details
- Serving Size: Serves 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually around 7–9 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
- While the tortellini cools, prep your veggies and other ingredients. Slice, chop, and cube as needed. If using store-bought Italian dressing, give it a good shake or whisk before using.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, olives, salami, and parsley.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything gently until well coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Don’t overcook the tortellini: Slightly undercooked (al dente) tortellini holds its shape better in a cold salad. Mushy pasta is a no-go here.
- Cool it down completely: Hot tortellini will melt the cheese and make everything a bit soggy. Be patient and let it cool fully before mixing.
- Go for quality dressing: Whether homemade or bottled, make sure your dressing packs flavor. A good Italian dressing makes a huge difference.
- Make it ahead: This salad gets better as it sits. You can prep it the day before, store in an airtight container, and give it a quick toss before serving.
Recipe Variations
This salad is super customizable, and you can switch things up based on what you have in your fridge or pantry:
- Vegetarian: Skip the salami and add artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and substance.
- Protein boost: Swap salami for grilled chicken or even chickpeas for a meatless option.
- Different cheese: Feta or sharp provolone works great instead of mozzarella.
- Add greens: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or arugula right before serving.
- Try another dressing: Balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy pesto dressing gives the salad a fun twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, absolutely. Just follow the package instructions for cooking, and be sure to cool it completely before mixing with the other ingredients.
How long does tortellini pasta salad last in the fridge?
It will keep for about 3–4 days in an airtight container. It actually tastes better the next day, so it’s great for meal prep.
Can I make this pasta salad dairy-free?
You can swap out the cheese tortellini for a dairy-free version (many stores carry it now) and skip the mozzarella. Add extra veggies to bulk it up.
Should I serve this pasta salad cold or room temperature?
It’s best served chilled, but letting it sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving softens the flavors and makes it taste even better.
Is this pasta salad good for potlucks or parties?
Definitely. It holds up well on a buffet table, doesn’t need to be reheated, and feeds a crowd. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Tortellini Pasta Salad is one of those easy recipes that delivers big flavor with very little effort. It’s colorful, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a weekend cookout or a simple weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of tender tortellini, crisp veggies, savory salami, and zesty dressing makes it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in rotation all summer long.
Let me know how you make it your own. I love hearing what twists you add to your pasta salad lineup.