If you love fresh, vibrant flavors and a quick meal, this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is just the thing for you. It’s packed with colorful vegetables and cheesy tortellini, making it a joyful dish for any occasion.
Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
Salad
- 20 oz cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 0.5 cup black olives sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach optional
- 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or small mozzarella balls
Dressing
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning alcohol-free
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Salad
- Boil the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
- While the tortellini cooks, slice cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, and thinly slice the onion and olives.
Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice or red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large serving bowl, toss together cooked tortellini, veggies, spinach (if using), olives, mozzarella, and basil. Pour over the dressing and gently toss until everything is coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with extra basil if you like!
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
This salad is a total crowd-pleaser, bursting with Mediterranean-inspired taste. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic or serving it at a family dinner, everyone will want seconds. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Red bell pepper, chopped
- Black olives, sliced
- Baby spinach, optional
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Shredded mozzarella or small mozzarella balls
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- Alcohol-free Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
You can swap mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for a twist. Use grape tomatoes or regular tomatoes if that’s what you have. Red peppers can be replaced with yellow or orange ones for variety.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
1. Cook the Tortellini
Boil the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
2. Prep the Veggies
While the pasta cooks, slice cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, and thinly slice the onion and olives.
3. Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice or red wine vinegar, alcohol-free Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine Everything
In a large serving bowl, toss together cooked tortellini, veggies, fresh spinach (if using), olives, mozzarella, and basil. Pour over the dressing and gently toss until everything is coated.
5. Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with extra basil if you like!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the tortellini, or it will get mushy in the salad.
- For maximum flavor, let the salad chill so the dressing soaks into the pasta and veggies.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Variations of Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Add grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Mix in artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for even more flavor.
- Try spinach tortellini for a colorful twist.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Grilled chicken or salmon
- Freshly baked focaccia or whole grain bread
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good toss before serving and refresh with a drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon if needed. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating required.
Memories Made Around the Table
I love making this dish when the whole family comes over in summer. There’s something special about sharing a bowl of pasta salad filled with color, flavor, and a whole lot of love.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad a day in advance. The flavors blend even better overnight.
What’s the best tortellini to use?
Fresh cheese tortellini is delicious, but frozen or dried work just fine. Cook according to the package instructions.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to toss in zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, or even arugula. This salad is very flexible, so use your favorites!
Final Thoughts
This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad brings the taste of summer to your table, any time of year. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.