Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is loaded with tasty ingredients like cheese tortellini, Genoa salami, fresh mozzarella pearls, and veggies all tossed in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. It's a delicious side dish for a crowd and hearty enough to make for an easy dinner! This summer pasta salad tastes even better the second day, so it's the perfect make-ahead side dish for any picnic or potluck.

❝ This is a wonderful pasta salad. Just made it for a party and made extra dressing in case anyone wanted more. Love the flavor. A keeper for sure.❞

～ Pat

This post has been updated since it was originally posted in April 2020.

Jump to:

• Why you’ll Love this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
• Ingredients
• How to make Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad:
• Storing the Tortellini Pasta Salad
• Tips & Tricks:
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Great Salad Recipes!
• Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Who else is excited about warmer weather, grilling, and picnic food!??

That would definitely be me!🙌

Although I do enjoy some hearty comfort food like soups and casseroles, I love all the yumminess spring and summer have to offer… some burgers on the grill, corn salad, BBQ ribs, and of course some pasta salads - especially if there’s tortellini in it!  

Here are some more summer pasta salad recipes you need to try after you make this one... my tasty Dill Pickle Pasta Salad,this Tuna Pasta Salad with Green Beans, and of course my Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe!

Let's talk more about my latest pasta salad obsession… Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad!

Isn’t she extra – like all colorful and gorgeous!?😍

Why you’ll Love this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Packed with flavor – From the cheesy tortellini and zesty salami to the tangy Italian dressing and briny pepperincinos, every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
• Quick and simple – It comes together in just 20 minutes, with zero cooking beyond boiling pasta.
• Perfect cold pasta salad – Serve it chilled or at room temp—it’s refreshing, creamy, and full of flavor.
• Make-ahead magic – This make-ahead pasta salad only gets better as it chills. Those pasta noodles act like little sponges that soak up all that tangy flavor. Perfect for hosting without the last-minute stress.
• Perfect for Meal Prep- This easy pasta salad recipe makes a ton of food - so you can enjoy it all week.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for potlucks, cookouts, and family gatherings.
• Versatile and customizable – This tortellini salad recipe is really customizable Don’t love olives or pepperoncini? Swap 'em! Use any other pasta you’d like… rotini, farfalle, penne or ziti.

I recommend making it the day before you want to eat it or at least 3-4 hours before you serve it.

This is an easy pasta salad to pull together but it will require prepping some ingredients.

Here’s how it all goes down…

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Cheese tortellini – This is the heart of the dish! Soft, cheesy, and satisfying, tortellini makes this salad filling and fun to eat.
• Cherry tomatoes, halved – They add a juicy burst of sweetness and beautiful color to every bite.
• English cucumber, chopped – Cool, crisp, and refreshing, cucumber balances out the richness of the tortellini and meats.
• Red onion, diced – A little bit of sharp bite to wake everything up (and a pop of purple never hurts!).
• Sliced pepperoni or salami – These bring that bold, savory, slightly spicy Italian flavor we all know and love.
• Fresh mozzarella pearls – Creamy and mild, they balance out the tanginess of the dressing and add a nice bite.
• Sliced Kalamata olives – Briny and bold, they add a salty punch that ties everything together.
• Sliced Pepperoncini peppers – Zesty and tangy with a little kick—these take the flavor up a notch!
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil – Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pretty pop of green.

For the Dressing:

• Olive oil – A rich, smooth base that carries all the flavors and helps the dressing coat the salad.
• Red wine vinegar – Tangy and vibrant, it adds the acidity needed to balance the richness of the tortellini and meats.
• Dijon mustard – Adds creaminess and a little zip to help emulsify the dressing.
• Fresh garlic, minced – For that garlicky goodness that adds depth and bold flavor.
• Dried oregano – Classic Italian herb that gives the dressing its signature flavor.
• Salt – Just enough to bring out all the other flavors.
• Black pepper – A bit of spice for balance and warmth.
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a gentle heat if you like things with a little kick.

How to make Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad:

1. First, add all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl or mason jar and mix well, then refrigerate.

2. Next, cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions (add in a few tablespoons of salt to the water for more flavor).  Drain the pasta and allow it to cool while you prep the other ingredients.
3. Slice and cut up your cucumber, slice your tomatoes in half, cube your salami, and drain your olives, pepperoncini, and artichoke hearts.  (Note: I purchase salami from the deli and have them cut it really thick, about a ½ inch.  That way I can easily cut it up into cubes.)

4. Then toss all the ingredients together and gently fold in the Italian dressing.
5. Allow it to sit for 3-4 hours before serving, or even better make it the day before and keep it in the refrigerator until it’s time to enjoy. That way the pasta and veggies have time to soak up all the delicious flavor from the dressing.

Storing the Tortellini Pasta Salad

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time! The pasta does soak up the dressing so there is a chance you might want more or just add some olive oil and vinegar.

There is no need to reheat this make-ahead tortellini salad - it's best chilled or served at room temperature. And if you're wondering, we don't recommend freezing. The texture of tortellini and fresh veggies can become soft and mushy after thawing.

Tips & Tricks:

• Use fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for the best texture.
• Chill before serving – this helps the flavors come together beautifully. And the pasta soaks up all that deliciousness.
• Toss with extra dressing right before serving if it looks a bit dry.
• Add even more meat for more protein. Some good choices would be pepperoni, prosciutto, bresaola, and pancetta.
• Want it spicy? Turn up the heat by adding a few dashes of red pepper flakes or hot cherry peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is so flavorful and hearty!

It's one of those easy recipes you’ll keep coming back to all summer long. With bold flavors, quick prep, and crowd-pleasing ingredients, it’s the perfect dish for any gathering, big or small. Whip it up for your next BBQ, meal prep it for dinner all week, or bring it to a potluck—everyone will be asking for the recipe!

More Great Salad Recipes!

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• Veggie Pasta Salad
• Mediterranean Chickpea salad
• Cobb Pasta Salad
• Jalapeño Cilantro Mexican Corn Salad
• Macaroni Salad With Dill Pickles

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If you’ve made this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe, tap the stars below to leave a recipe rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

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If you’ve made this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe, tap the stars above in the recipe to leave a recipe rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments!