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Tortellini Pasta Salad

Delicious Tortellini Pasta Salad for Your Next Summer BBQ

Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish combining chewy tortellini, crisp veggies, and zesty vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini Feel free to use non-refrigerated for longer shelf life.
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved Grape tomatoes are a great substitute.
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped Mini cucumbers work wonderfully too.
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced Green onions make for a milder touch.
  • 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped You can swap these for green olives.
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls Diced mozzarella is an alternative.
  • 1/2 cup chopped salami or pepperoni Easily omitted for a vegetarian salad.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast can stand in for a vegan option.
  • 2 cups baby spinach or arugula Mixed greens offer a nice variety.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil Dried basil will suffice if fresh isn't available.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Any neutral oil can replace it, but flavor will change.
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar Balsamic vinegar can be used for a different taste.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Yellow mustard works in a pinch.
  • 1 tsp honey Maple syrup is a vegan alternative.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Garlic powder can substitute if fresh is out.
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano Italian seasoning is a great alternative.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Sea salt adds a more complex taste.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • jar with lid

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3–5 minutes, until they are al dente and float to the surface. Drain and briefly rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. While the tortellini cools, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and dried oregano in a jar. Season with salt and pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
  3. Transfer cooled tortellini to a mixing bowl. Pour half of the dressing over the tortellini and gently toss. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, mozzarella, salami or pepperoni, Parmesan, spinach or arugula, and basil into the bowl. Drizzle remaining dressing over and toss until combined.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  6. Once chilled, toss the salad again and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, prepare the salad a day in advance and add greens just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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