Savory Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad

Have you ever required a dish that works as hard as you do? Allow me to introduce you to my Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe, which has survived many potlucks, last-minute dinner parties, and those evenings when cooking seems like climbing Mount Everest.

This colorful bowl of delight blends cheese-filled tortellini with fresh veggies, flavorful meats, and a zingy homemade dressing that will make your taste buds dance!

Why Every Time This Tortellini Pasta Salad Wins

During a particularly busy summer while hosting my sister’s children, I discovered the magic of tortellini salad. I wanted something that:

• Could be made ahead of time
• Wouldn’t wilt by dinner
• Appealed to both kids and adults

This dish checked every box—and then some!

It delivers the perfect balance: delicate pasta, fresh veggies, savory meats, creamy cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. Light yet filling, it's a meal in itself.

The Ingredients That Make This Pasta Salad Special

Start with refrigerated cheese tortellini — the texture is far better than dried or frozen. Then build it out with:

• Juicy cherry tomatoes
• Crunchy cucumber
• Sharp red onion
• Briny kalamata olives
• Fresh mozzarella balls
• Optional: sliced salami or pepperoni

The mozzarella melts into the warm pasta, creating pockets of creamy joy. The salami gives richness, but it’s optional—this dish stands strong as vegetarian too.

The Dressing That Brings It Together

This dressing is so good, you’ll want to use it on everything:

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pro Tip: Add half the dressing while the pasta is still warm. It absorbs more flavor, then gets a second dose later for max flavor coating.

Full Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients (Salad):

• 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
• ½ cup chopped salami or pepperoni (omit for vegetarian)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

1. Cook the tortellini in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and place in a large bowl.
2. Combine dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well.
3. Pour half the dressing over the warm tortellini and stir gently. Let cool for 10 minutes.
4. Add all remaining salad ingredients to the bowl.
5. Pour remaining dressing on top and toss gently to combine.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Toss again before serving.
7. Optional garnish: extra basil and Parmesan.

Make-Ahead Tips

This pasta salad is perfect for prep! It gets even better after chilling. Here’s how to make it work:

• Keep spinach/arugula separate until serving to avoid wilting
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Make a big batch on Sunday for lunches throughout the week

Creative Variations

• Greek-inspired: Add artichoke hearts & feta
• Pesto version: Use half pesto, half vinaigrette
• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp
• More veggies: Try roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes

There’s no wrong way to customize it! Even my sister-in-law makes a version using store-bought dressing and pre-chopped veggies.

Nutrition Info (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 26g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Final Thoughts

This crowd-pleasing tortellini salad has been with me through summer parties, potlucks, and lazy nights when cereal just won’t cut it.

It’s that reliable go-to dish that people ask for again and again. Whether you're making it for a picnic or a weeknight dinner, this salad brings people together.

Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be special. Try it once and you’ll see why this recipe has a permanent spot in my rotation.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Let me know in the comments what version you make! Happy cooking 💛