Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
This salad features cheese-filled tortellini tossed with fresh vegetables, Italian meats (optional), and a zesty vinaigrette. It’s rich, refreshing, and packed with classic Italian flavors.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes + chilling
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients
For the salad:
20 oz (about 500–600 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup black olives, sliced
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or cubed mozzarella
¼ cup sliced pepperoni or salami
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the dressing:
⅓ cup olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook tortellini:
Boil tortellini according to package instructions until tender.
Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Prepare dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble salad:
In a large bowl, combine cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella, and pepperoni (if using).
Add dressing:
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
Add herbs:
Fold in fresh basil.
Chill & serve:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Stir before serving.
Notes & Tips
Best tortellini: Cheese tortellini works best, but spinach or meat-filled are great too.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni/salami.
Extra flavor: Add artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Creamy option: Mix in a spoonful of pesto or a little mayo for a creamy twist.
Meal prep tip: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Q: Do I have to rinse the tortellini?
A: Yes, to cool it quickly and prevent sticking.
Q: Can I use store-bought dressing?
A: Absolutely—Italian dressing works perfectly as a shortcut.
Q: Can I serve it warm?
A: It’s best chilled or at room temperature, but can be served slightly warm if preferred.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 380–430 kcal
Protein: 12–15 g
Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
Fiber: 3–4 g
Fat: 20–24 g
Sugar: 4–6 g
Sodium: 500–650 mg