Name: Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs refrigerated tortellini; 5-7 oz pepperoni slices, chopped; 8 oz mozzarella, chopped into ½-inch pieces; 4 oz Parmesan, chopped into ½-inch pieces; ½ cup green onions, chopped; 1 dry pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 can medium black olives; 1 (6-oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts; ½ cup deli-sliced pepperoncini; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (white or regular); ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, smashed; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

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If you’ve never had the joy of biting into a creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced pasta salad, you’re in for a treat. Trust me, this Tortellini Pasta Salad is one for the books—full of flavor, texture, and so easy to make. Picture tender tortellini, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together in the most satisfying way. It’s like a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients in every bite.

Whether you’re prepping for a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or just craving something light and refreshing, this pasta salad has your back. I’m telling you, once you make this, it’s going to be your go-to dish every time you need something quick, crowd-pleasing, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love Tortellini Pasta Salad

This isn’t just another pasta salad—it’s THE pasta salad. It’s quick, easy, and will have everyone asking for the recipe. Here’s why I’m so excited for you to try it:

Versatile

It’s perfect for a casual family dinner or to bring to a BBQ, potluck, or picnic. The best part? You can serve it warm, chilled, or at room temperature. It’s the kind of dish you can make ahead and enjoy for days.

Budget-Friendly

Made with ingredients you probably already have, this salad proves that simplicity can be both affordable and delicious. No fancy or expensive ingredients required, just fresh, everyday pantry staples that turn into something amazing.

Quick and Easy

No long prep times here! You’ll have this pasta salad ready in just 30 minutes or less. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is a breeze to follow. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel like a rock star without all the effort.

Customizable

Feel free to get creative! You can add in your favorite veggies, swap out the dressing for something tangier, or even toss in a little cheese for extra richness. It’s all about making this pasta salad your own.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this salad is sure to please. It’s light, flavorful, and packed with the kind of flavors that make everyone smile. Plus, it’s so easy to double or triple the recipe when you have a big group to feed.

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Ingredients in Tortellini Pasta Salad

This is one of those recipes where the magic happens with just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tortellini

The star of the show! You’ll use refrigerated or frozen tortellini (cheese-filled works beautifully), and it gives the salad its heartiness and richness. Soft, pillowy tortellini makes every bite feel like a little indulgence.

Vegetables

A mix of crisp veggies brings texture and freshness to the dish. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions add a colorful crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.

Fresh Herbs

Basil or parsley adds a pop of freshness that brings all the flavors together. A little bit of greenery goes a long way!

Dressing

A creamy, tangy dressing is what ties everything together. Whether you go with a store-bought Italian dressing or a homemade creamy vinaigrette, it’s all about balancing those flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get your hands in the kitchen? Here’s how to create your own pasta salad masterpiece:

Cook the Tortellini

Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once they’re tender, drain them and give them a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps the salad stay nice and cool if you’re serving it chilled.

Prep the Veggies

While the tortellini is cooking, chop your veggies! Slice up the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Feel free to get creative here—add bell peppers, olives, or any other veggies you love in pasta salad.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. If you’re using store-bought dressing, just give it a quick stir to make sure everything’s well mixed. If you want to go homemade, blend together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and seasonings until it’s creamy and well combined.

Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled tortellini, chopped veggies, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe a little extra salt or pepper if you’re feeling bold!

Chill or Serve

At this point, you can either serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Either way, it’s going to be amazing.

Enjoy!

Dish up the pasta salad and enjoy the fresh, creamy goodness. You can serve it as a side dish, or just grab a bowl and enjoy it on its own—it’s that good!

How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving ideas to elevate your meal:

Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal that’s light yet filling.
Crusty Bread: Grab a loaf of warm, crusty bread to dip into any extra dressing or sauce at the bottom of the bowl. So satisfying!
Fresh Green Salad: Pair it with a fresh leafy salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for even more veggies and freshness.
Cheese: Crumbled feta, shaved Parmesan, or even mozzarella balls can be a great addition to this pasta salad, giving it a richer flavor profile.

Additional Tips

Want to make sure your pasta salad is absolutely perfect? Here are a few tips:

Make It Ahead: This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep or making ahead. The flavors only get better as it sits in the fridge!
Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, bacon bits, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
Use Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip the fresh herbs! They make all the difference and give the salad a burst of flavor.
Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes to the dressing. A dash of Dijon mustard also gives the salad a nice tang.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this pasta salad the day before?

A1: Absolutely! It’s actually better if you make it ahead of time. The flavors meld together nicely after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Q2: What other veggies can I add?

A2: You can add anything you like! Bell peppers, olives, baby spinach, or even artichoke hearts would be amazing in this salad.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

Q4: Can I make this salad gluten-free?

A4: Yes! You can easily swap out the regular tortellini for gluten-free pasta, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q5: Can I freeze this pasta salad?

A5: I wouldn’t recommend freezing pasta salad, as the texture of the tortellini and veggies can change. But it’s so easy to make fresh, you won’t have leftovers for long anyway!

Q6: Can I add cheese to this salad?

A6: Yes! Crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would be great additions.

Conclusion

This Tortellini Pasta Salad is exactly what you need when you’re craving something light, flavorful, and super satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation, and you’ll love how customizable it is. Whether you’re enjoying it at home, bringing it to a party, or packing it for a picnic, it’s always a hit. So go ahead—grab those ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl full of pasta salad perfection!