Fresh & Zesty Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Fun

Crafting a mouthwatering tortellini pasta salad brings pure summer joy to your plate.

Fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables dance alongside tender cheese-filled pasta.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with zesty Mediterranean-inspired seasonings.

Cool and satisfying, this dish promises a delightful escape from ordinary meals.

Every bite delivers a burst of flavor that lingers deliciously.

Colorful ingredients create a feast for both eyes and taste buds.

Summer gatherings just got more delectable with this irresistible recipe waiting to impress.

Tortellini Salad That’s Bright, Cheesy, and Easy

• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy households wanting a delicious meal with minimal effort. Prep takes just minutes, making this recipe ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily swap ingredients like meats, cheeses, or vegetables to match family preferences or dietary needs. Vegetarians can skip salami and add more veggies for a personalized touch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Flavors actually improve as ingredients marinate, creating a more robust and delicious dish with zero extra work.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Flavor Burst: Packed with vibrant ingredients like olives, fresh herbs, and tangy dressing, this salad delivers an exciting culinary experience that transports taste buds to sunny Mediterranean coastlines.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Ingredient Set

• Tortellini: Soft, cheesy pasta that serves as the hearty foundation of the salad.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Creates a tangy and smooth base for coating the salad.
• Dijon Mustard, Honey: Adds depth and balances the dressing's acidity.
• Garlic, Dried Oregano: Provides aromatic and herbal flavor notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall taste.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and brightness.
• Black Olives: Brings a salty Mediterranean flavor.
• Spinach: Adds leafy green nutrition and color.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a fragrant herb accent.

• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and sharp cheese components.
• Salami or Pepperoni: Adds savory protein and rich flavor to the salad.

Cold Pasta Salad Instructions with Tortellini

Step 1: Boil Tortellini Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring water to a rolling boil and gently drop tortellini into the pot.

Cook according to package directions until pasta is tender but still firm.

Drain tortellini in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.

Transfer pasta to a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Grab a glass jar with a secure lid.

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Seal jar tightly and shake vigorously until ingredients blend into a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 3: Coat Tortellini with Flavor

Pour half the dressing over warm tortellini.

Gently toss pasta to ensure even coating.

Allow tortellini to cool for about 10 minutes, absorbing the delicious dressing.

Step 4: Build Colorful Salad

• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Kalamata olives
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salami or pepperoni
• Grated Parmesan
• Fresh spinach
• Chopped basil leaves

Drizzle remaining dressing over the ingredients and softly toss everything together.

Step 5: Chill and Marinate

Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, allowing flavors to mingle and develop.

Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle additional fresh basil and Parmesan on top.

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Bon appétit!

Tortellini Pasta Salad Tips with Texture and Balance

• Rinse cooked tortellini under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect al dente bite every time.
• Swap salami or pepperoni with grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian or lighter protein alternative that suits different dietary needs.
• Shake dressing ingredients in a sealed jar to create a perfect emulsion, preventing separation and ensuring even coating on every ingredient.
• Let the salad chill for at least 2 hours to allow ingredients to marinate, intensifying the taste and creating a more harmonious dish.
• Add fresh herbs like basil just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils for a bright, zesty finish.

Store Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Store leftover tortellini pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the salad cold to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Before storing, drain any accumulated liquid to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Gently pat the ingredients with a paper towel if needed.
• If possible, store the dressing separately from the salad to keep ingredients crisp and prevent wilting. Mix fresh dressing just before serving for the best taste and texture.
• When ready to eat, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Give it a quick toss and add a splash of fresh dressing to refresh the flavors and restore its original zesty taste.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Complementary Dishes

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the salad's tangy dressing and balance the rich, savory ingredients.
• Refresh with Sparkling Water: Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to sparkling water for a light, refreshing drink that cleanses the palate between bites of the flavorful tortellini salad.
• Match with Light Mediterranean Appetizer: Serve alongside bruschetta or hummus with pita chips to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Boost with Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a cold herbal tea with mint or basil to echo the fresh herbs in the salad and provide a cooling, aromatic beverage that cuts through the salami's richness.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Add-In Choices

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese or spinach tortellini from specialty brands like Cappello's or Taste Republic for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Version: Remove salami and pepperoni, replace with roasted chickpeas or marinated artichoke hearts to maintain protein content and add satisfying texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Substitute mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle za'atar seasoning for a Greek-style flavor profile that transforms the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace tortellini with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles, keeping the dressing and remaining ingredients to create a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced dish perfect for keto dieters.

FAQs

• Is tortellini pasta salad healthy?

The salad offers a balanced mix of protein from salami and mozzarella, vegetables like spinach and cucumber, and complex carbohydrates from pasta. It contains nutrients from fresh ingredients and can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

• Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?

Easily replace salami or pepperoni with plant-based proteins like grilled tofu, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables. The recipe’s core remains the same, maintaining its delicious flavor profile.

• How long does tortellini pasta salad last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, the salad stays fresh for 3-4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it potentially more delicious as it sits. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.

• What type of tortellini works best for this recipe?

Fresh or dried cheese tortellini are perfect. Choose cheese-filled varieties for the most complementary flavor. Whole wheat or spinach tortellini can add extra nutrition and interesting color to the salad.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Summer’s zesty Tortellini Pasta Salad brings Mediterranean charm to picnic tables with tangy herbs and colorful vegetables. Fresh cheese-filled pasta mingles with crisp ingredients, creating a light and refreshing meal perfect for warm gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 20 ounces (566 grams) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pitted kalamata olives, chopped
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh mozzarella balls
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) baby spinach or arugula

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped fresh basil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Protein and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chopped salami or pepperoni
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare tortellini by immersing in generously salted boiling water, cooking until tender yet firm. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then transfer to a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, crushed garlic, dried oregano, salt, and cracked pepper in a sealed container. Vigorously shake until ingredients form a smooth, homogeneous emulsion.
3. Drizzle half the dressing over warm tortellini, gently folding to ensure even coating. Allow mixture to cool and absorb flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Integrate colorful ingredients: halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, briny olives, cubed mozzarella, chopped salami, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach leaves, and torn basil. Carefully fold additional dressing throughout the salad.
5. Seal the salad and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, allowing ingredients to marinate and develop complex flavor profiles. Prior to serving, redistribute ingredients and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.
6. Present the chilled pasta salad with optional garnishes of fresh basil and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately, offering a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for warm days.

Notes

• Customize the tortellini choice by using cheese, meat, or spinach-filled varieties to match dietary preferences or flavor profiles.
• Swap salami or pepperoni with grilled chicken, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives for lighter or vegetarian options.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispness and prevent soggy salad texture.
• Allow salad to marinate longer for deeper flavor integration, but add fresh herbs just before serving to preserve brightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg