The Best Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad for Every Occasion

Name: The Best Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad for Every Occasion
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 20 oz. bag refrigerated cheese tortellini; 9 oz. hard salami, cubed; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup bell pepper, chopped; 1 6 oz. can sliced black olives; 8 oz. mozzarella pearls; ¼ cup red onion, sliced; ⅓ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced; ¼ cup parmesan, shredded (optional); For the vinaigrette:; ½ cup olive oil; ½ cup red wine vinegar; 1½ tbsp Italian seasoning; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper

BY Emily Parker July 2, 2025

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad in a bowl

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Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is one of those dishes that never fails to satisfy. With tender cheese tortellini, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty vinaigrette, it’s perfect for summer meals or easy gatherings. It has the same vibrant, bold flavor you’ll love in this lemon parmesan pasta or a light orzo pasta salad. Whether you’re serving it chilled at a picnic or as a quick dinner, this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad will become a repeat favorite.

Table of Contents

My Pasta Salad Obsession
I’ve loved pasta salad since my childhood summers in my aunt’s kitchen. We’d mix pasta, veggies, and cheese into giant bowls with so much excitement. This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad takes me right back to those joyful days. It’s creamy, crisp, tangy, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

The cheese-filled tortellini offers a soft, comforting texture, while fresh peppers and cherry tomatoes add brightness and crunch. Tossed in a bold vinaigrette and chilled to perfection, this pasta salad truly delivers. It’s easy to make ahead and even better the next day.

I love serving it alongside mains like cowboy butter chicken linguine for a hearty pairing or creamy french onion pasta for a cozy combo. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or meal prepping for the week, Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is the perfect fit for every occasion.

Ingredients That Make It Shine

The beauty of this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. At the heart of it all is cheese tortellini—soft, rich, and satisfying. Choose a good-quality refrigerated version to get the best texture and flavor. The pasta is supported by juicy cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, and sliced red onion. Each one brings brightness and crunch that balances the richness of the tortellini.

Mozzarella pearls add creamy bites that melt just slightly once the salad chills, while sliced black olives offer a salty edge. Don’t skip the fresh basil. Its aroma and freshness tie everything together and elevate the entire dish. You can adjust quantities to your liking, but this classic combination is what makes the salad stand out every time.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you’ll enjoy this just as much as something like french onion pasta, which layers richness and depth into every bite.

Now let’s talk about the dressing. The vinaigrette is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and black pepper. It’s zesty, herby, and punchy enough to coat the pasta and veggies without overpowering them. The trick is letting the salad sit for a while so everything absorbs that flavor.

Make the vinaigrette ahead and store it chilled. Just before serving, give it a quick whisk and pour it over your salad. You can even use extra dressing to freshen up any leftovers the next day. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference—like the flavor boost you get from a dish like lemon parmesan pasta.

Easy Steps for Big Flavor

Making Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is quick and rewarding. Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package directions. Don’t overcook them—just until tender. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Let them cool completely before moving on.

While the pasta cools, prep the rest. Slice cherry tomatoes, dice bell peppers, thinly slice red onion, and chop the fresh basil. Drain the black olives and get your mozzarella pearls ready. Cutting them in half helps them blend better into the salad.

Ingredients for Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, chopped vegetables, mozzarella, olives, and basil. Pour in your homemade vinaigrette and toss everything gently until coated. You want to flavor the ingredients evenly without breaking the tortellini.

Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances the overall taste, letting every ingredient absorb the zesty dressing. Right before serving, toss again and top with shredded parmesan if desired.

This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad also holds up great as a make-ahead option. Whether you’re serving it with cowboy butter chicken linguine or pairing it with a chilled orzo pasta salad, it adds a satisfying, flavorful element to any spread.

From busy weeknights to summer potlucks, Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is the recipe I always reach for. It’s easy, colorful, and always delivers.

Elevate, Serve, and Customize

One of the best things about Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is how easy it is to customize. The base is already full of flavor, but there’s plenty of room to play. You can toss in grilled chicken for extra protein, swap the mozzarella for feta, or even mix in roasted chickpeas for texture. If you love bold twists, try sun-dried tomatoes or marinated artichokes for a punchy, tangy upgrade.

For a vegetarian option, skip the meat altogether and double down on fresh veggies. Roasted zucchini, corn, or even spinach can add great color and flavor. And if you’re packing it for lunch, keep extra vinaigrette on the side so it stays fresh and juicy all day long.

This pasta salad is also versatile when it comes to serving. It works beautifully at potlucks, picnics, and casual dinners. I love pairing it with rich dishes like french onion pasta to balance out the flavors. If you want something lighter, a serving alongside lemon parmesan pasta offers a fresh and tangy combo that’s hard to beat.

You can even serve this salad as a starter or side dish for a weekend cookout or family-style meal. It’s easy to scale up, travels well, and only gets better with time in the fridge.

Whether you’re looking for something simple or something showstopping, Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad has you covered. With a few simple twists, it adapts to nearly any occasion, taste, or season. It’s a dish you’ll want to keep in rotation, no matter what else is on the table.

Conclusion

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is more than a side dish—it’s a go-to recipe for busy days, special gatherings, and everything in between. It’s flexible, vibrant, and full of comforting flavors. Whether you’re serving it with family favorites or packing it for lunch, this salad is always the right choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barefoot Contessa’s tortellini salad like?

While Barefoot Contessa’s version tends to be rustic and traditional, this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad adds fresh herbs, mozzarella pearls, and a tangy vinaigrette that gives it more color and flavor depth. Both are delicious, but this one is more vibrant and customizable for everyday meals or events.

What makes this the best Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad?

It’s all about the balance—soft cheese tortellini, crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and a punchy vinaigrette. The ingredients are simple, but they come together in a way that’s full of bold flavor, color, and freshness. It’s easy to prep, stores well, and fits any gathering.

How can I make a simple Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad?

Start with cooked, cooled tortellini. Add chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil. Toss everything in a zesty vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill and serve.

What’s the secret to a delicious Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad dressing?

The dressing needs to be bold to stand up to the pasta and veggies. A mix of red wine vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs gives the vinaigrette a strong base, while olive oil adds smoothness. Salt is key here—don’t be afraid to season generously so it enhances every bite.

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided in the Recipe card is an estimate only.For the most accurate results, please calculate the values yourself using your preferred nutrition calculator.