This tortellini pasta salad is a summertime staple packed with cheesy pasta pillows, crisp veggies, and zesty Italian flavors. It’s quick to whip up, easy to make ahead, and travels well for potlucks, BBQs, and picnics.
Whether you’re planning a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or a colorful addition to your dinner table, this recipe checks all the boxes. Bursting with freshness from the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, plus the creamy richness of mozzarella and tortellini, it delivers both comfort and crunch in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup black olives, sliced
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1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup Italian dressing (or homemade vinaigrette)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, mozzarella pearls, and parsley.
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Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Fresh Take on Tortellini Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Summer Dish
When it comes to vibrant, crowd pleasing dishes that transition effortlessly from weeknight meals to potluck sensations, few recipes strike the perfect balance like Tortellini Pasta Salad. It’s a dish that masterfully blends the indulgent comfort of cheese filled pasta with the bright, crisp flavors of fresh vegetables, all brought together by a zesty Italian dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light summer lunch, a BBQ ready side dish, or a meal prep superstar, this pasta salad has something to offer for everyone.
At its core, tortellini pasta salad is a celebration of texture and taste. The rich, creamy tortellini provides the base soft and cheesy, it stands out from more traditional pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Tossed together with crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, every bite offers a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures. Finished with mozzarella pearls, fresh herbs like parsley, and a generous drizzle of tangy dressing, this salad isn’t just a side it’s often the star of the table.
A Dish With Roots and Versatility
While pasta salad in general is a staple of American cuisine, tortellini adds a distinctly Italian twist. Hailing from the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, tortellini are traditionally stuffed with meats, cheese, or a combination of both. For this salad, cheese filled tortellini is preferred because it brings a creamy richness without being overly heavy.
One of the best things about tortellini pasta salad is its versatility. It works beautifully in almost any season, though it truly shines in the warmer months. That’s because it’s served cold or at room temperature, making it incredibly refreshing during hot days. Its portability makes it ideal for outdoor gatherings no reheating required.
You can also dress it up or down depending on your occasion. Want to keep it vegetarian? No problem. Prefer it as a heartier main dish? Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or even diced salami. Looking for something with a Mediterranean flair? Add crumbled feta, roasted red peppers, and a splash of balsamic glaze.
Nutrition Meets Flavor
Despite its creamy indulgence, this pasta salad can be a surprisingly balanced choice when it comes to nutrition. The inclusion of fresh vegetables adds not only flavor and crunch but also fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, cucumbers provide hydration and support digestion, and olives bring healthy fats to the table.
Mozzarella pearls and tortellini offer protein and calcium, making the dish more filling than typical carb heavy pasta salads. If you’re aiming to reduce the calorie count, you can opt for a light Italian dressing or even a homemade vinaigrette with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Add-ins like chickpeas or white beans can boost the protein content even further for a more complete meal.
For those watching their dietary intake, this recipe is easily adaptable. Gluten-free tortellini is widely available, and plant based mozzarella alternatives are becoming more common, allowing for vegan versions that still satisfy. You can also scale down the cheese and up the veggie content to tailor the salad to your nutritional goals.
Tips for the Perfect Tortellini Pasta Salad
1. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini:
One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the tortellini. It should be tender but still slightly firm (al dente) so that it holds its shape when mixed with the other ingredients.
2. Rinse and Chill:
After draining the tortellini, rinsing it with cold water stops the cooking process and cools it quickly essential for a fresh, crisp salad.
3. Let It Marinate:
Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor. The dressing soaks into the pasta and veggies, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
4. Add Delicate Ingredients Last:
If using ingredients like avocado, fresh basil, or greens like arugula, add them just before serving so they stay fresh and vibrant.
5. Customize Your Dressing:
Store bought Italian dressing is convenient and tasty, but if you have a few extra minutes, making your own can take the dish to the next level. A simple blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and oregano can create a homemade touch that truly impresses.
How to Serve and Store
Tortellini pasta salad is as flexible in presentation as it is in preparation. Serve it in a large chilled bowl for a casual gathering, or plate it in individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan and parsley for a more refined look. It’s equally at home at a picnic, a bridal shower, or as part of a holiday spread.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, simply toss it with a bit more dressing or a splash of olive oil to revive the flavors. It’s also one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.
Crowd Pleaser for All Occasions
Whether you’re entertaining a crowd or prepping meals for the week, tortellini pasta salad is one of those magical dishes that appeals to just about everyone. Kids love the cheesy tortellini, adults appreciate the complexity of the flavors, and hosts love how simple it is to prepare ahead of time.
It’s also endlessly scalable. Making it for two? Halve the ingredients. Feeding a crowd? Double or triple it and toss it all together in a large bowl or tray. The recipe works well at room temperature, making it ideal for buffet style service or picnics.
For holidays and special events, consider making a deluxe version with gourmet add ins like roasted pine nuts, sun dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, or even grilled shrimp. The base recipe is strong enough to support endless variations while always staying delicious.
Conclusion:
Tortellini Pasta Salad is more than just another side dish it’s a seasonal favorite, a customizable canvas, and a satisfying meal all in one. With its creamy tortellini, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing, it brings freshness, richness, and versatility to the table. It’s ideal for those moments when you need something quick, easy, and universally loved. Whether you serve it for a light lunch, a vibrant potluck dish, or a casual weeknight dinner, it never fails to impress.
Once you’ve made it once, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Delicious, adaptable, and endlessly enjoyable that’s what makes Tortellini Pasta Salad a true kitchen favorite.