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.

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad – Best Recipe 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

The Best Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad for Every Occasion

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This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad combines cheese tortellini, crisp veggies, and creamy mozzarella with a bold vinaigrette. A refreshing crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main, Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Rinse under cool water and let cool.
2. Slice and prep all vegetables, mozzarella, and olives.
3. Whisk together vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl.
4. Combine tortellini, veggies, cheese, olives, and basil in a large mixing bowl.
5. Pour vinaigrette over and toss to coat.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Toss again and sprinkle with parmesan if desired.

Notes

This salad gets more flavorful as it rests in the fridge.

Feel free to customize ingredients based on personal preferences.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/italian-tortellini-pasta-salad/