Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is my favorite go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to lazy weekend potlucks. The cheese-filled tortellini soaks up a vibrant Italian vinaigrette and mingles with crisp veggies, parmesan, and chunks of salami. It comes together in minutes and can hang out in the fridge until you are ready to serve which takes the stress out of entertaining or meal prepping.

My family asks for this every barbecue season and it is hands-down the dish I am always asked to share at neighborhood gatherings. The tortellini make it irresistible for both adults and kids and I always wish I had made double.

Ingredients

• Cheese tortellini: Look for refrigerated tortellini for the softest texture They soak up dressing and hold shape
• Hard salami: Brings a savory protein boost Choose a quality brand for real flavor
• Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy Go for ripe and firm to avoid mushiness
• Bell pepper: Adds crunch and color Choose any mix of colors you like
• Black olives: Give a briny tang Rinse off excess salt for the best balance
• Mozzarella pearls: Creamy and mild Use fresh for a melt-in-your-mouth bite
• Fresh basil: Sliced thin for bright flavor Only use leaves with vivid color and no bruising
• Red onion: Adds sharpness Choose a red onion with shiny tight skin for best texture
• Parmesan cheese: Optional but adds salty nuttiness Freshly shredded or grated is best
• Olive oil: For dressing Base of vinaigrette Go for extra virgin for richness
• Red wine vinegar: Punchy acidity helps balance the salad Choose a deep red vinegar for robust flavor
• Italian seasoning: Dried blend for herby backbone Pick a fragrant blend for best results
• Garlic: Adds sharp complex flavor Use fresh cloves not jarred
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning Taste and adjust as you go

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the vinaigrette:

Whisk olive oil red wine vinegar Italian seasoning minced garlic salt and black pepper until fully combined and fragrant Store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator while you prep the other ingredients

Cook the tortellini:

Boil the cheese tortellini in generously salted water following your package directions Drain well then rinse under cool water to stop cooking Spread out and let the tortellini cool completely in a colander This keeps them from sticking

Chop and prep the veggies:

Cut cherry tomatoes in half chop bell peppers into bite-size pieces slice red onion thinly and rinse and drain the black olives Pat all ingredients dry with paper towels to prevent watering down the salad

Mix the salad:

In a large bowl gently combine cooled tortellini salami tomatoes bell pepper olives mozzarella pearls red onion and basil Pour in your desired amount of chilled vinaigrette Toss gently until everything is coated well

Chill and finish:

Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least thirty minutes in the fridge so the flavors meld together Right before serving toss it again and finish with shredded parmesan cheese on top or mixed through

Save

My personal favorite part of this salad is the bright punch from the fresh basil It reminds me of big summer gatherings with my cousins where we would pick basil straight from my aunt’s garden Before I knew it everyone was asking for seconds

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge This pasta salad actually gets better after a day but will keep for up to three days If it seems dry after chilling just add a splash of olive oil and toss before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Try turkey or ham instead of salami or skip the meat for a vegetarian twist For cheese lovers swap out mozzarella pearls for small cubes of provolone or feta No cherry tomatoes Use chopped Roma tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta salad alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal It is also great on its own for lunch with some crusty bread I love topping each bowl with extra fresh basil and a grind of black pepper for extra flavor

Cultural Context

Italian tortellini salad is a fun Italian-American twist on classic cold pasta salads combining regional Italian ingredients and flavors It is all about abundance and color The tradition of sharing large pasta salads at family tables has roots in both Italian and American gatherings

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chilling the dish for at least one hour helps the flavors meld. It's ideal for making in advance for parties or meal prep.

→ What vegetables work best in this dish?

Bell peppers and cherry tomatoes add crunch and color, but you can also include cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or red onion for variety.

→ Is there a substitute for salami?

For a meat-free version, simply omit salami or use vegetarian alternatives like marinated tofu or roasted chickpeas.

→ Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, both types work well. Cook dried tortellini according to package instructions and allow extra time for cooling before assembling the salad.

→ What cheese pairs well in this salad?

Mozzarella pearls are classic, but you can also add cubed provolone, feta, or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.