This deliciously simple Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad combines cheese tortellini, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, fresh mozzarella balls, pepperoncini, salami, fresh herbs, and zesty Italian dressing into the tastiest treat. It is perfect for those hot summer nights when a heavy meal is too much. I often serve it as a side dish at potlucks, family reunions, and picnics.
Summer = Great Pasta Salads
Impress your friends and family with this easy and flavorful tortellini pasta salad recipe. Learn the simple steps to make this crowd-pleasing dish at home! My family and I love pasta salad recipes. There are so many tasty combinations that it is almost impossible to get bored. If you like this recipe, try tuna pasta salad, caprese pasta salad, spaghetti salad, and Greek orzo pasta salad.
How To Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
First, whisk the salad dressing ingredients in a bowl or add them to a mason jar and shake to combine. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions. Next, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water. Add the cooled tortellini to a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, mozzarella balls, pepperoncini, salami, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
What You’ll Need
- Red wine vinegar: white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar will work, too
- Garlic: fresh, of course
- Granulated sugar
- Seasonings: fresh basil and parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano (fresh oregano is too bitter)
- Olive oil: extra virgin and cold-pressed
- Tortellini: frozen or fresh (from the refrigerated section)
- Tomatoes: grape or cherry tomatoes
- Bell pepper: any color will work, but I like sweet red bell peppers best
- Red onion
- Mozzarella: balls or cubes
- Salami: Genoa or even pepperoni will work
Beth’s Recipe Tips
- Do not overcook the tortellini pasta. For best results, cook slightly al dente.
- Fresh herbs are best. If you must use dried herbs, remember that they are more concentrated, so you only need one-third of the amount.
- I use grape tomatoes, but you can use any fresh sun-ripened tomatoes.
- Use your favorite bottled Italian salad dressing or whip up some homemade dressing.
- Mozzarella balls are available in the fresh cheese case at most grocery stores. You can substitute cubes or shredded mozzarella if you cannot find them.
- I like to add cherry peppers and pepperoncini along with the bell peppers. Any tasty fresh or jarred pepper will add oodles of flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe Variations
- Protein – add or substitute pepperoni, browned Italian sausage, or grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Cheese – add or substitute Asiago, Provolone, Parmesan cheese, or feta cheese
- Veggies – add zucchini, cucumber, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or black olives
Italian Tortellini Salad
Ingredients
Italian Dressing
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Tortellini Pasta Salad
- 1 16 ounce bag cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups cups halved grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- 1 small red bell pepper diced
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 8 ounces mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
- 8 ounces salami chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- kosher salt to taste
- fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk the salad dressing ingredients in a bowl or add them to a mason jar and shake to combine
- Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water. Add the tortellini, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, mozzarella balls, pepperoncini, salami, basil, parsley, and oregano.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Do not overcook the tortellini pasta. For best results, cook slightly al dente.
- Fresh herbs are best. If you must use dried herbs, remember that dried herbs are more concentrated. So you only need one-third of the amount.
- I use grape tomatoes, but you can use any fresh sun-ripened tomatoes.
- Use your favorite bottled Italian salad dressing or whip up some homemade dressing.
- Mozzarella balls are available in the fresh cheese case at most grocery stores. You can substitute cubes or even shredded mozzarella if that is all that is available.
- Along with the bell peppers, I like to add cherry peppers and pepperoncini. Any tasty fresh or jarred pepper will add oodles of flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
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janice
Can I cook the tortellini 2 days in advance and then mix it all together with remaining ingredients?
Beth Pierce
Yes, you will need to toss the tortellini with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking to itself and refrigerate it in an airtight container stored in the frideg.
veenaazmanov
I am too excited to try this amazing Bowl of healthy veggies and ingredients. Love the dressing flavor too. Salad is the best meal option.
Alejandra
This is the perfect summer side dish, and I have three packs of tortellini I need to use! Can’t wait to try this tomorrow!
Kristen Wood
This was a real winner with the family! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Megan
The pasta looks amazing and super flavourful! I am definitely going to make this for me and my family. Thank you for sharing this recipe, it looks super delicious!
Cathy
This has the BEST flavor! Perfect for summer picnics!
Tisha
This screams summer side dish! I love tortellini!
Erin
Yum!!! This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is such a great meal. Love it!
Toni
Such a flavorful salad! I will defintely make this again!
Amanda
Seriously the best summer salad! Pasta salad is great, but using tortellini as the pasta is genius 😀
Claire
This is absolutely delish! I wish I have one right now!
Toni
Packed full of amazing flavors! It was a huge hit at my house!
Julia
All my favourite things combined in one salad! Love it for the summer!
Suzy
Really loved all of the flavors in this salad! So easy to make too!