Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a bursting-with-flavor, crowd-pleasing dish that takes hardly any work but steals the show at picnics, potlucks, and family dinners, this Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe is utterly perfect. Tender cheese tortellini combines with crisp veggies, tangy Italian dressing, briny olives, creamy feta, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a fresh, colorful salad that eats like a meal but comes together fast. Every forkful is equal parts satisfying and refreshing, making this Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe a go-to for busy weeknights and sunny weekends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe is beautifully simple, yet each component brings its own personality—whether that’s a pop of color, a punch of flavor, or a delightful crunch. All you need are these basics to create a dish that’s endlessly adaptable and totally crave-worthy.
- Tortellini: Pillowy, cheese-filled tortellini serve as the heart of the salad, making every bite rich and satisfying.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color, they add summery vibrance and a hint of acidity.
- Cucumber: Diced cucumber keeps things crisp, cool, and oh-so-refreshing.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a juicy crunch and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Black olives: Sliced olives offer a briny pop that ties all the Mediterranean flavors together.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for just the right amount of bite and color contrast.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta gives a creamy, tangy finish to the salad; don’t skip it!
- Italian dressing: Lively, herb-flecked dressing infuses the salad with zippy flavor—use your favorite bottled or homemade version.
- Olive oil: A drizzle helps round out the dressing and adds silkiness.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste for perfect flavor balance.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A shower of chopped herbs on top is the finishing touch that brings freshness and a little visual wow.
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions until just tender (usually around 3–5 minutes for refrigerated tortellini). Be sure not to overcook, as you want them to hold their shape in the salad. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool them down quickly and stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While the tortellini are cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, slice the black olives, and thinly slice the red onion. Prepping your veggies in advance means the salad comes together in a snap and ensures every bite is balanced.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Transfer the cooled tortellini to a big mixing bowl. Add all your prepped veggies—tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, and red onion—plus the crumbled feta cheese. This is the point where the salad really starts to look irresistible!
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the Italian dressing and olive oil over the salad, then gently toss everything together so the dressing coats each piece. Season with salt and pepper to taste and give it one more careful toss. Be gentle to keep the tortellini from breaking apart!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Transfer your salad to the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This little rest lets all the flavors marry and makes the dish even more vibrant. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish.
How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe with a generous shower of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of green and maximum freshness. For a finishing flourish, crumble on a bit of extra feta or add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra halved cherry tomatoes or thin ribbons of basil make a plate look simply stunning.
Side Dishes
This salad can absolutely hold its own as a hearty lunch, but it also pairs beautifully with classic picnic and barbecue favorites. Serve it as a side with grilled chicken, fish, or even your favorite veggie burgers. For a Mediterranean-styled meal, set it alongside a platter of hummus, warm pita, and roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, scoop the salad into lettuce cups for appetizer-sized portions, or serve it on a large platter layered with extra veggies and herbs. Try threading vegetables and tortellini onto skewers for a fun, portable party snack. You can even use mini-tortellini for single-serve mason jar salads, perfect for picnics or meal prep!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays tasty and fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or packed lunches. If the salad absorbs some of the dressing overnight, just toss with a splash more before serving to freshen it up.
Freezing
While pasta salads with creamy dressings don’t freeze well, this vinaigrette-based Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe can be frozen if needed. The vegetables may lose a bit of their crispness, so for best results, freeze the cooked tortellini with dressing and add fresh veggies and feta after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary! If you like, you can let it sit out for a bit to take the chill off before enjoying, but avoid microwaving as it will warm the cheese and wilt the veggies.
FAQs
Can I use different types of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is deliciously creamy and classic, you can substitute with spinach- or meat-filled tortellini for something new. Just make sure to stick with fresh or frozen varieties for the best texture.
What kind of Italian dressing should I use?
Both store-bought and homemade Italian dressing work beautifully in this Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe. If you prefer a sharper or more garlicky flavor, make your own dressing with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and dried Italian herbs.
Can this salad be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free tortellini. More brands are offering gluten-free options, so you can enjoy all the flavors and textures of this recipe without worry.
How can I add more protein?
For a heartier Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe, toss in some grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or a handful of chickpeas. These additions make the salad even more filling and meal-worthy.
Will the salad get soggy if I make it in advance?
This pasta salad holds up well, but if you’re prepping a day ahead, you can keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a surefire dish that’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to get rave reviews, you have to give this Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe a try. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I know your friends and family will love it just as much as mine do!
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Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe is a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. Filled with cheese tortellini, colorful veggies, feta cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini:
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini, refrigerated or frozen
Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Additional:
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the tortellini with tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle Italian dressing and olive oil over the salad. Toss gently to coat.
- Season and Chill: Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Both store-bought and homemade Italian dressings complement this salad well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
