Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe Everyone Will Love

I still remember the first time I tossed together a simple tortellini pasta salad for a busy weeknight dinner. Between homework, meetings, and family chaos, I needed something quick, easy, and family-friendly—and this recipe delivered. With tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing, it became an instant favorite. This tortellini pasta salad is perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or even casual Sunday lunches where everyone asks for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tortellini pasta salad is one of those recipes that instantly becomes a family favorite because it’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making tortellini pasta salad with Italian dressing, a creamy tortellini pasta salad, or a lemon basil tortellini pasta salad, this dish works for busy weeknights, potlucks, or special occasions. The combination of tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and flavorful dressings creates a balanced, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and light. You can make a vegetarian tortellini pasta salad, a Greek-inspired version, or even a tortellini pasta salad with pesto for a twist. This recipe is ideal for meal prep, picnics, or family lunches, as it keeps well in the fridge while staying fresh and delicious. With simple ingredients and easy assembly, tortellini pasta salad is perfect for anyone looking for a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish. Once you try it, you’ll see why tortellini pasta salad is a staple recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Tortellini pasta salad is all about fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together easily to create a delicious, customizable dish. The star of the salad is tender cheese tortellini, which soaks up the dressing while remaining perfectly soft. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion add crunch and color, while black olives and shredded mozzarella or parmesan bring depth and richness. Fresh basil gives a fragrant, herbal touch, making the tortellini pasta salad vibrant and appealing. The dressing is key—choose between a tangy Italian dressing for a light, zesty flavor or a creamy dressing for a richer, indulgent twist. Both options perfectly coat the tortellini and vegetables, enhancing the taste while keeping it quick and easy to prepare. With simple pantry staples and fresh produce, this tortellini pasta salad can be made in minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

🛒 Ingredients (for 6–8 servings):

For the Salad:
1 lb (16 oz) cheese tortellini
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup red bell pepper, diced
½ cup black olives, sliced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

Option 1: Italian Dressing
⅓ cup olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt & pepper to taste

Option 2: Creamy Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste

How to Make This Recipe

Making tortellini pasta salad is simple, quick, and rewarding. Start by cooking the cheese tortellini until tender, then rinse under cold water to keep the pasta from sticking. While the tortellini cools, chop fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion, which add crunch, color, and flavor. Mix in black olives, shredded mozzarella or parmesan, and fresh basil to give the tortellini pasta salad a vibrant, fresh taste. Prepare your dressing—either a tangy Italian dressing or a creamy dressing—to coat the tortellini and vegetables perfectly. Toss everything together until well combined, adjusting seasoning as needed. Chilling the tortellini pasta salad for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld, making it ideal for potlucks, meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners. This tortellini pasta salad is versatile, family-friendly, and a must-try recipe for anyone who loves quick, easy, and flavorful pasta dishes.

🛒 Steps:

Cook 1 lb cheese tortellini according to package instructions and rinse with cold water.
Chop 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup cucumber, ½ cup red bell pepper, and ¼ cup red onion.
Slice ½ cup black olives and shred ½ cup mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
Chop 2 tbsp fresh basil.
Prepare dressing:
Option 1 – Mix ⅓ cup olive oil, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, salt & pepper.
Option 2 – Mix ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt & pepper.
Combine tortellini, vegetables, cheese, and basil in a large bowl.
Pour dressing over the tortellini pasta salad and toss until evenly coated.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Expert Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect tortellini pasta salad is all about balancing flavors, textures, and timing. Start with high-quality cheese tortellini, which will be the base of your salad, providing soft, tender pasta that absorbs dressing beautifully. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion give your tortellini pasta salad crunch and color. Adding black olives, shredded mozzarella or parmesan, and fresh basil enhances taste and freshness. Choosing the right dressing—Italian, creamy, or pesto—will elevate the flavors of your tortellini pasta salad. Toss everything gently to coat evenly without breaking the pasta. Chilling the tortellini pasta salad before serving helps the flavors meld, making it more flavorful. Small adjustments, like seasoning to taste and using fresh herbs, can turn a simple tortellini pasta salad into a standout dish that’s quick, easy, and family-friendly.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use 1 lb cheese tortellini cooked al dente for perfect texture.
Rinse tortellini under cold water to prevent sticking and keep pasta salad fresh.
Chop 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup cucumber, ½ cup red bell pepper, and ¼ cup red onion evenly for consistent texture.
Slice ½ cup black olives and shred ½ cup mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
Add 2 tbsp fresh basil for a fragrant, herbal boost.
Toss tortellini pasta salad gently with your choice of dressing—Italian, creamy, or pesto—for even coating.
Season with salt, pepper, or additional herbs to taste.
Chill tortellini pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serve as a quick weeknight meal, picnic dish, or potluck favorite.

FAQs

Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.

See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.

Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.

The Ultimate Strawberry Banana Bread – Quick, Moist, and Tasty

Banana Split Bread Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Dessert-Inspired

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe – Soft, Chewy, and Tasty Treats

Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe – Quick, Cheesy, Family-Friendly

Tortellini pasta salad is a quick, easy, and versatile dish that has become a favorite for busy weeknights, potlucks, and family gatherings. With tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a choice of Italian, creamy, or pesto dressing, this tortellini pasta salad is both flavorful and customizable. You can make a vegetarian tortellini pasta salad, a lemon basil version, or a creamy twist to suit any taste. Chilling the tortellini pasta salad allows the flavors to meld perfectly, making it a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe. Whether you are meal prepping, hosting a picnic, or looking for a simple, satisfying dinner, this tortellini pasta salad combines convenience, color, and flavor in every bite. Once you try it, tortellini pasta salad will become a staple recipe you’ll make again and again for its ease, taste, and family-friendly appeal.

Tortellini Pasta Salad

---

• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~55 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A colorful, flavorful tortellini pasta salad perfect for lunch, potlucks, or picnics. This salad combines cheesy tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian or creamy dressing. Optional variations include pesto, Greek-style, or lemon-basil versions.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for 6–8 servings):

For the Salad:

• 1 lb (16 oz) cheese tortellini

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

• ½ cup black olives, sliced

• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

For the Dressing:
Option 1: Italian Dressing

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt & pepper to taste

Option 2: Creamy Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper to taste

---

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Cook Tortellini
Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Step 2: Prep Vegetables
While tortellini cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and basil.

Step 3: Mix Dressing
Whisk together your choice of dressing ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 4: Combine Salad
In a large bowl, combine cooled tortellini, vegetables, and cheese. Pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld. Garnish with extra basil before serving.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Salad can be made a day in advance. Keep chilled in an airtight container.
• Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, pepperoni, or chickpeas for a heartier version.
• Variations: Swap Italian dressing for pesto for a lemon-basil tortellini pasta salad or feta and olives for a Greek twist.
• Diet: Vegetarian-friendly; make vegan by substituting cheese and mayo with plant-based alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Salad / Pasta Salad
• Method: No-bake / Tossed / Chilled
• Cuisine: Italian-American