How to Make Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Prepare the Pasta

Cook tortellini to al dente and cool completely.

Combine Ingredients

Mix pasta with meats, vegetables, and cheeses.

Add Dressing

Toss with Italian dressing and seasonings.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate to develop flavors, then toss again before serving.

Baking Tips

Cook the tortellini just until al dente as it will continue to absorb the dressing as it sits.

For the best flavor, make this salad at least a few hours ahead of time or the day before serving.

If making ahead for more than a day, reserve some of the dressing to add just before serving to refresh the salad.

For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add chickpeas or extra vegetables instead.

Fresh tortellini works best, but frozen tortellini is a good alternative. Avoid dried tortellini for this recipe.

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Name: Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 20 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen); 8 ounces salami or pepperoni, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely diced; 1 cup black olives, sliced; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3/4 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought); 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring cheese-filled tortellini, fresh vegetables, Italian meats, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues, this colorful salad can be prepared ahead of time and tastes even better the next day!

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

10 Minutes

Total Time

30 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

20 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

8 ounces salami or pepperoni, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium red bell pepper, diced

1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, finely diced

1 cup black olives, sliced

8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3/4 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, diced salami, cherry tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella pearls.

In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Add the fresh basil, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Gently fold into the salad.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

Before serving, toss gently and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a splash more dressing if the salad seems dry.

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Instructions