Tortellini Pasta Salad
Tortellini pasta salad is a tasty medley of fresh veggies, diced salami, and cheese tossed in a herby, zesty homemade salad dressing. Enjoy this cheesy tortellini salad as a summer pasta salad for picnics, cookouts, barbecues, and potlucks.
For more delicious pasta recipes, Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta and the Best Lobster Mac and Cheese.
Cold tortellini pasta salad is a light, refreshing mix of cheese tortellini, diced veggies, and chopped bits of salty salami with a homemade oil-based salad dressing. It is so good, I could eat a heaping bowl of this stuff all on its own. But I love using it as a side dish for my summer meals.
Why you will love Tortellini Pasta Salad:
Quick Prep! This stuffed tortellini recipe is done in no time. The dressing is whipped up in just minutes. Simply combine, chill, and serve!
Ultimate Summer Side Dish! This dish is a real crowd-pleaser and goes with whatever protein you are serving. It is flavorful, filling, and served chilled so it is great for hot weather.
Easy to Customize! Make this vegetarian, add or take away veggies, or even switch up the dressing. This pasta salad recipe is totally customizable. Pesto tortellini salad is another super refreshing and delicious variation.
Must Try: Creamy Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients for Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
To make this easy tortellini pasta salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- Tortellini pasta: Use dry or frozen cheese-filled pasta for this recipe. Both work great!
- Cucumber: Diced into bite-sized pieces for a hydrating crunch.
- Red bell pepper: Add these diced for a touch of spice and color.
- Red onion: Diced for the best results.
- Salami: This optional ingredient adds a salty, savory taste and adds protein.
- Cheddar cheese: Use shredded cheese.
- Shredded parmesan cheese: this optional ingredient adds some salty flavor.
- Fresh chopped basil: Add a fresh herb for more fresh flavor.
Dressing for pasta salad:
- Olive oil: This is the base of the vinegarette.
- Red wine vinegar: This adds a sharp, tangy quality. Use balsamic vinegar as an alternative.
- Dijon mustard: This adds a pungent spicy flavor that makes the pasta salad dressing that much tastier!
- Dried herbs: For depth of flavor, I use thyme and oregano.
- Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
Stuffed Tortellini Recipe
Prepare the stuffed tortellini pasta according to package instructions. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once it is fork tender, drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare Tortellini Pasta Salad Dressing
While the pasta cools down a bit, make the dressing for the pasta salad. Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, thyme, and oregano in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until it is fully combined.
Taste the dressing for salt and pepper, and add ¼ teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired taste.
Toss Pasta Salad
Combine the cooked pasta, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, salami (if you’re adding it), and shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and use a spoon to toss it gently until everything is fully combined. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad.
Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Finally, serve cold, and ENJOY!
Tips and variations for the Best Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Wondering what else you can add to creamy tortellini pasta salad? Try adding kalamata olives, black olives, tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- If you want to try different cheeses, I suggest feta cheese or fresh mozzarella.
- Although I highly suggest making your own dressing from scratch, (it is so easy and tastes much better) you can also just use Italian dressing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
FAQ
Can tortellini be eaten cold?
Absolutely! Tortellini is a versatile pasta that can be eaten hot, cold, or at room temperature.
What are the mistakes to avoid when making pasta salad?
Do not overcook or undercooked the pasta but cook it to al dente. You also do not have to wait until the pasta is completely cool before mixing it in the sauce. And do not make it too far in advance (more than one day) so the pasta salad is not soggy.
Can I make tortellini pasta salad in advance?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had some time to mingle and settle so make it up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
I suggest only adding half of the dressing. Then add the remaining just before serving, so the pasta doesn’t absorb all of the dressing.
More delicious side dishes you’ll love
Ingredients
- 1 pound Tortellini pasta dry or frozen will work
- 1/2 cup Cucumber diced
- ¼ cup Red bell pepper diced
- ¼ cup Red onion diced
- ¼ cup Salami diced (optional)
- ¼ cup Cheddar cheese shredded
- Shredded parmesan cheese to serve (optional)
- Fresh chopped basil to serve (optional)
Dressing for pasta salad:
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini pasta according to package instructions: boil in a large pot of water for about 7-10 minutes. Once it is fork tender, drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Now set it aside.
- While the pasta cools down a bit, make the dressing for the pasta salad. In a small bowl combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, thyme, and oregano. Whisk it all together until it is fully combined.
- Taste the dressing for salt and pepper, and add ¼ teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired taste.
- Now in a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, salami (if you’re adding it), and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and use a spoon to toss it gently until everything is fully combined.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold, and ENJOY!
Nutrition
Delish