Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, preparing a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, or simply looking for a refreshing weeknight dinner, Italian Tortellini Salad checks every box. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty cheese-filled pasta, zesty Italian dressing, and optional proteins like grilled chicken. Best of all, this cold tortellini pasta salad is easy to customize, perfect for a crowd, and absolutely bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make Italian tortellini salad from scratch, with plenty of helpful tips for variations, make-ahead strategies, and substitutions. Get ready to add a delicious staple to your salad pasta recipes collection.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Hearty and satisfying – Thanks to rich cheese tortellini and savory toppings.
- Quick to prepare – Comes together in 30 minutes or less.
- Versátil – Works great as a main dish or a side.
- Perfect for gatherings – A reliable option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
- Loaded with nutrition – Add kale, cherry tomatoes, olives, and more for a fresh and healthy twist.
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
This tortellini pasta salad recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful. Here’s the base recipe to get you started:
🥣 For the Salad:
- 1 (20 oz) package of refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced into half moons
- 1 cup red bell pepperpicado
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives or Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup kale, finely chopped (optional for a nutrient boost)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 de taza de albahaca frescapicado
🍗 Optional Additions:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (for an Italian pasta salad with tortellini and chicken)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices or salamipicado
🥗 For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing, homemade or store-bought
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 cucharadita de mostaza de Dijon
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cucharadita de ajo en polvo
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Sal y pimienta al gusto
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions: How To Make Italian Tortellini Salad
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous pinch of salt. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add your cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 5-7 minutes until tender but still firm.
✅ Tip: Be careful not to overcook the tortellini; they’ll continue to soften as they absorb the dressing later.
Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for salad.
Paso 2: Preparar las Verduras
While the pasta cooks, prep your fresh ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumbers, dice the bell peppers, and thinly slice the red onions.
✅ Tip: If you’re using kale, massage it with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice to make it softer and more palatable in a cold salad.
Place all the chopped veggies in a large salad bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, combine:
- Italian dressing
- Red wine vinegar
- Mostaza de Dijon
- Aceite de oliva
- Ajo en polvo
- Oregano
- Sal y pimienta
Shake or whisk until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
✅ Tip: You can also use a store-bought Italian dressing for convenience, but adding extra vinegar and herbs elevates the flavor significantly.
Paso 4: Montar la Ensalada
To the large bowl of vegetables, add the cooled tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, shredded chicken (if using), and mozzarella pearls. Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan and fresh basil right before serving for a final burst of Italian flair.
🧊 Chill and Serve
Although you can serve this salad immediately, chilling it for at least 1 hour helps the flavors meld beautifully. Store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
✅ Serving Tip: Garnish with extra herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a crack of black pepper for a fresh presentation.
🍴 Variations and Substitutions
🥬 Healthier Twist: Add Kale
Adding kale not only boosts nutrition but also gives the salad an earthy flavor. Massage it well and chop it finely for best results.
🐔 With Chicken
If you’re craving more protein or want to make this a full meal, use Italian pasta salad with tortellini and chicken by tossing in rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips.
🧀 Cheese Swaps
Try other cheeses like crumbled feta, provolone cubes, or shredded mozzarella for a unique spin.
🌱 Vegetarian-Friendly
This salad is naturally vegetarian when made without meat. Use vegetarian cheese tortellini if preferred.
🧄 Garlic Lovers
Add roasted garlic or minced raw garlic to the dressing for an extra punch of flavor.
🥶 Make-Ahead Tips
This cold tortellini pasta salad (simple but filling) is a dream for meal prep and party planning. Here’s how to make it ahead:
- Up to 2 days in advance: Cook tortellini, prepare veggies, and mix the dressing. Keep them stored separately in airtight containers.
- Day of serving: Toss everything together and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✅ Avoid freezing as the pasta and vegetables don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.
🍽 How to Serve Tortellini Pasta Salad
This salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with various meals. Serve it:
- As a standalone lunch or light dinner
- Alongside grilled meats or skewers
- With crusty garlic bread and a glass of chilled white wine
- At BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or buffet tables
👨🍳 Expert Tips for the Best Tortellini Salad
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente tortellini holds up better in a salad.
- Chill before serving – This allows the dressing to soak in for better flavor.
- Use high-quality ingredients – Fresh vegetables and good olive oil elevate the dish.
- Cut ingredients to similar sizes – Ensures balanced bites.
- Double the batch for parties – This is one of those tortellini pasta salad for a crowd recipes that scales easily.
🍌 Related Recipes for Yogurt Muffin Lovers
If you enjoy hearty, feel-good dishes like tortellini salad, you might also want to try sweet bakes like:
- Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins With Greek Yogurt
- Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Greek Yogurt Muffins
- Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins made with Greek yogurt
- Or explore other healthy chocolate chip muffins for your weekly snack prep
📋 Printable Recipe Card
Italian Tortellini Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutos
Servings: 6–8
Ingredientes:
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup olives, halved
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup kale, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
- 1/4 de taza de albahaca fresca
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 cucharadita de mostaza de Dijon
- 1/4 de taza de aceite de oliva
- 1/2 cucharadita de ajo en polvo
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Sal y pimienta al gusto
Instrucciones:
- Cook tortellini according to package, then rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine all vegetables, cheese, and optional meats.
- In a separate bowl, mix the dressing ingredients.
- Toss salad with dressing until evenly coated.
- Chill for 1 hour before serving. Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan.
🧾 Final Thoughts
When it comes to cold pasta salad recipes, this Italian tortellini salad stands out for its flavor, texture, and flexibility. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, festive cookouts, or as a reliable go-to meal when you’re craving something fresh and hearty.
So next time you’re wondering how to make Italian tortellini salad, return to this recipe for a foolproof, delicious answer. Add it to your rotation of ensalada de pasta dishes and enjoy the flavors of Italy in every bite.
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