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 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.
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.
More Pasta Recipes
- Caprese Pasta Salad — A medley of cherry tomatoes, pasta, mozzarella, and basil
- Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad — A crunchy, creamy make-ahead lunch
- Mushroom Tortellini — A creamy entree featuring your favorite tortellini and sautéed mushrooms
- Pesto Pasta Salad — Bursting with fresh and herby flavors
- Creamy Spinach Tomato Tortellini — Drenched in a creamy meat sauce
- Chicken Tortellini Soup — The definition of comfort food
Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cheese tortellini
- 8 oz salami chopped
- 10 oz Cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp basil chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions. Drain the water, then transfer the pasta to a large bowl and set aside to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients. Dice salami. Slice the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and olives into halves. Finely chop the basil.
- Add the chopped ingredients to the bowl with the tortellini. Drizzle the Italian dressing on top and gently toss everything together until well coated.
- Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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