This Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is my go-to recipe whenever I want a dish that feels like a celebration—even on a random Tuesday! Filled with cheesy tortellini, crisp veggies, savory salami, and a zingy homemade Italian vinaigrette, it comes together in no time and somehow tastes like summer in every single bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Effortless: This Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad comes together in under 30 minutes, with almost zero stress or mess.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Cheesy tortellini, tangy vinaigrette, and crisp veggies create an irresistible mix of savory, fresh, and bright.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Make-Ahead Friendly: This is the ultimate potluck salad—everyone loves it, and you can make it in advance for even better flavor!
- Easily Customizable: Mix and match your favorite add-ins or swap ingredients to suit your mood, your fridge, or your family’s tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad lies in its colorful, everyday ingredients—each one playing its part to deliver big, bold flavor and just the right combination of textures. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need, and why you’ll love using each item below.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz. bag): The creamy, cheesy pasta base that makes this salad hearty and oh-so-satisfying.
- Hard salami (9 oz., cubed): Adds a savory, meaty bite and a little bit of classic Italian flair—feel free to use your favorite variety.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Their sweet-tart juiciness bursts in every forkful.
- Bell pepper (1 cup, chopped): Red, green, yellow, or orange—pick your favorite for crunch and a vibrant pop of color.
- Sliced black olives (6 oz. can): Brings a pleasant briny contrast that balances the creaminess of the cheese.
- Mozzarella pearls (8 oz.): These bite-sized cheese orbs add extra creaminess and make the salad feel special.
- Fresh basil leaves (⅓ cup, sliced): Fresh, fragrant basil gives the salad a burst of herby brightness.
- Red onion (¼ cup, sliced): Paper-thin slivers add a delicate zing—soak in cold water if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, shredded or grated): Salty, nutty, and completely optional…but highly recommended for finishing!
- Olive oil (½ cup): The luscious base for your vinaigrette—go with a good quality extra-virgin if you can.
- Red wine vinegar (½ cup): Bright and zingy, this gives the entire dish its irresistible tang.
- Italian seasoning (1½ Tbsp): Your shortcut to major flavor—dried basil, oregano, and thyme all in one.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings that signature boldness you want in an Italian pasta salad.
- Salt (1 tsp): Essential for pulling all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (1 tsp): A finishing touch of mild heat to round out the vinaigrette.
Variations
The beauty of Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is how endlessly adaptable it is. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it—customize based on what you have, your cravings, or anyone’s dietary needs.
- Veggie-Forward: Swap in artichoke hearts, cucumber, or roasted zucchini for extra vegetables and color.
- Go Meatless: Skip the salami entirely for a vegetarian version—just add more cheese or beans for protein.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a few pepperoncini rings or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a little heat.
- Greek Inspiration: Add crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, and diced cucumber for a Mediterranean twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini if you or your guests need to avoid wheat.
How to Make Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Step 1: Whisk the Italian Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, vigorously whisk together your olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pop the dressing in the fridge while you assemble everything else—it will give those flavors a chance to mingle, resulting in a vinaigrette that’s bold and perfectly balanced. Don’t forget to give it another stir right before using!
Step 2: Cook and Cool the Tortellini
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes until they float. Drain and immediately rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking and keep the pasta firm. Let the tortellini dry and cool completely before assembling the salad, so they don’t get mushy.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
In a very large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cubed salami, cherry tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, sliced black olives, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and red onion. Pour in your desired amount of vinaigrette and toss gently so that everything gets evenly coated and glossy. Go slowly—you don’t want to break up the tortellini.
Step 4: Chill and Finish with Parmesan
Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl and let your Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—this step is key for the flavors to blend. When you’re ready to serve, toss the salad again and sprinkle with shredded parmesan, either on top of individual servings or the whole bowl.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Chill is Key: Letting your salad rest in the fridge infuses every bite with flavor—don’t skip this crucial step!
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Pull the tortellini as soon as they float and immediately rinse in cold water to prevent sogginess.
- Slice and Dice Evenly: Aim for bite-sized pieces of veggies and salami for easy mixing and the perfect forkful every time.
- Dress Just Before Serving: If making ahead, keep some vinaigrette aside and toss again just before serving for ultimate freshness and shine.
How to Serve Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Garnishes
Shower your Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad with extra fresh basil ribbons, a grating of parmesan, or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving—these simple touches brighten the flavors and make the dish look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, garlicky shrimp, hearty sandwiches, or a crusty baguette. It’s also substantial enough to stand alone as a light main course on a breezy evening.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your salad in a big, colorful bowl at a picnic, scoop into mason jars for a portable lunch, or try individual cups for parties—everyone loves having their own little serving, and it looks adorable on a buffet!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. If the salad seems a bit dry after chilling, just toss with a splash of extra vinaigrette before enjoying.
Freezing
This salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing—the tortellini and fresh veggies tend to get mushy when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh from the fridge within a few days.
Reheating
Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature—no reheating required! In fact, it’s even tastier after the flavors have had time to meld in the fridge.
FAQs
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Can I make Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is even better when made a few hours (or even a day) in advance. Just wait to add the parmesan and fresh basil until just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
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Is it possible to use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well—simply cook according to the package directions, drain, rinse, and cool completely before adding to your salad.
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What other proteins can I use instead of salami?
Try diced grilled chicken, turkey pepperoni, prosciutto, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist—you can get creative to match your taste or dietary preferences.
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How do I keep the tortellini from getting mushy?
Don’t overcook them! Drain as soon as they float and chill them immediately under cold water. Make sure they’re fully cooled and dry before tossing with the rest of your ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something vibrant, satisfying, and bursting with that classic Italian flavor, you have to give this Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad a try. Made with love and perfect for sharing—just watch it disappear at your next gathering!
Print
Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Filled with cheese tortellini, salami, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and a homemade Italian vinaigrette, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 1 20 oz. bag refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 9 oz. hard salami, cut into cubes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped (red, green, yellow or orange)
- 1 6 oz. can sliced black olives, drained
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded or grated (optional)
Italian Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- To make the vinaigrette: Whisk vinaigrette ingredients together and store in the refrigerator while preparing the salad.
- To make the pasta salad: Cook, drain, and cool tortellini. Combine with remaining salad ingredients, except parmesan. Add vinaigrette, toss to coat, chill for 30 minutes. Serve topped with parmesan.
Notes
- You can customize this pasta salad by adding other ingredients like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
