This tortellini pasta salad is packed with Kalamata olives, salami, mozzarella, and fresh veggies. It’s a showcase of Mediterranean flavors perfect for your next potluck!

Tortellini Pasta Salad in a bowl.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Video

How To Make Tortellini Pasta Salad

Are you tired of recipes that move at a turtle’s pace? Change up the game with this pasta salad — it comes together in only 20 minutes!

  • Cook the tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain the pasta and allow it to cool completely.
  • Prep the other ingredients: Chop the salami, olives, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.
  • Toss and chill the salad: Toss the tortellini and other salad ingredients with Italian dressing. Chill the salad for 30 minutes before enjoying.

Ingredient Variations

One of the most wonderful things about salads is how customizable they are. Keep it as simple as you like, or take your creativity up a notch with any of these suggestions.

  • Pasta: Not a fan of tortellini? Switch it up with rotini, farfalle, penne, or any other sturdy pasta shapes.
  • Protein: Go “ham” with prosciutto, bacon bits, sliced turkey, chicken, or ham.
  • Vegetables: Amp up the veggie power with red onions, broccoli, red bell peppers, cucumbers and/or pepperoncini. Are you out of Kalamata olives or cherry tomatoes? Try green/black olives and grape tomatoes instead!
  • Cheese: Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese for more savoriness.
  • Herbs: Refresh your palate and add more green with basil, parsley, or oregano.

Tips For the Best Pasta Salad

We guarantee this salad will blow your mind with flavor and ease of preparation. But while you’re here, take a quick look at these tips for the best success!

  • Use high quality ingredients. Fresher ingredients = yummier salad. If possible, go for freshly made tortellini instead of frozen. Choose an Italian dressing with simple ingredients, and buy the salami fresh from the deli counter.
  • Cook the tortellini al dente. Cooking your pasta “to the tooth” ensures that it stays together in the salad. Overdo it by even a few minutes, and it’s more likely to fall apart when tossed.
  • Chill the pasta and salad. After draining, rinse the tortellini with cold water to cool it down quickly and keep it from overcooking — no one likes a lukewarm salad! Once the salad is tossed, chill it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Tortellini Pasta Salad on a serving plate.

Ways To Serve

Tortellini pasta salad is the ideal cold side dish for potlucks, dinner parties, or barbecues. Before serving the salad, get the meat on the grill — shish kabobs, messy burgers, and grilled chicken street tacos are some of our favorites. Looking for an on-the-go meal to accompany your pasta salad? Snack on a club sandwich or classic BLT!

Storing Tortellini Pasta Salad

Do you know what else we love about this tortellini pasta salad? It’s a great make ahead dish! Store your salad for up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator — and marvel at the fantastic flavor that develops during the time.

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About Author

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Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.