Close-up overhead shot of a colorful tortellini pasta salad with pepperoni, olives, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber in a white bowl with a wooden spoon.

Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad: Crowd-Pleaser in 15 Minutes

by

When summer rolls around, I always crave something light, fresh, and bursting with flavor—with minimal effort. Enter my go-to, make-ahead Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad. This pasta salad is more than just a side dish. It’s packed with cheesy tortellini, crunchy veggies, tangy dressing, and a little salty bite from salami. Bonus: it comes together in under 15 minutes and disappears just as fast at picnics and potlucks!

Why You’ll Love Tortellini Pasta Salad

Honestly, this dish is a lifesaver when I need something quick but want to impress. The tortellini gives it a hearty feel, while all those vibrant vegetables keep it fresh. I’ve served this at game nights, birthday parties, and family dinners—it never fails to get compliments, and the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

Top-down view of freshly chopped vegetables on a white cutting board: sliced black olives, diced yellow bell peppers, halved red grape tomatoes, sliced green cucumbers, and thinly sliced purple red onion, all arranged in neat vertical rows.
Prepare to be inspired by this colorful bounty of freshly chopped vegetables, perfect for a vibrant salad or a healthy meal. The fresh colors and neat arrangement make cooking a delight.
  • 1 pound cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen, cooked according to package)
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium cucumber, chopped
  • 3/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 cup salami or pepperoni, diced (skip or swap for turkey for a lighter or vegetarian salad)
  • 1 1/4 cups Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
  • Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Easy Instructions

Overhead view of a large white bowl filled with tortellini pasta salad. It contains pasta, salami, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onions, bell peppers, topped with shredded Parmesan and parsley. Two wooden spoons are in the bowl, all on a white marble surface.
Dive into this vibrant tortellini pasta salad, packed with fresh vegetables, savory salami, and rich Parmesan cheese. It is the perfect dish for any gathering or a delightful meal.
  1. Cook the Tortellini: Boil, drain, and cool under running water. You want each bite tender but not mushy!
  2. Chop Those Veggies: I always do big, chunky cuts so every forkful feels substantial.
  3. Mix Everything Together: Toss the tortellini, veggies, olives, and meat in a large bowl. Pour in the dressing and gently mix until everything is coated.
  4. Chill Before Serving: This is key—an hour in the fridge helps the flavors marry and the salad gets even better.
  5. Add Cheese and Herbs: Right before serving, I love a shower of real Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. Adds color and that classic Italian taste!

Variations and Pro Tips

  • Vegetarian? Leave out the meat or sub in chickpeas or roasted veggies for texture and protein.
  • Try Homemade Dressing for a brighter flavor—trust me, it’s worth it! This homemade Italian dressing mixes up in five minutes and is free of preservatives and unwanted oils.
  • Make Ahead: Prepping this in advance saves you time and lets the flavors meld. Hold off on dressing if prepping more than a day ahead, then toss before serving.
  • Serving ideas: It’s hearty enough for a main course (serves 4-6). For side dish portions, figure 8-10 servings.

Common Questions

How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 5 days—tortellini holds up beautifully, and the raw veggies stay crisp.

Can I swap the pasta shape?
Absolutely! If you don’t have tortellini, rotini or penne work. The cheese filling really makes it special, though.

What’s the best way to keep it moist?
Save a bit of extra dressing to toss in right before serving!

Nutrition Info (per serving)

  • Calories: 289
  • Carbs: 27g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g

Values are estimates and may vary with ingredient swaps.

Reader Success

This Italian tortellini pasta salad has earned rave reviews, with countless readers calling it “the hit of the party,” “foolproof,” and “even kid-approved.” You don’t have to be an expert in the kitchen—just try it once and see why it’s a repeat favorite.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need something fast for dinner, want a reliable dish for a party, or crave a lunch that feels “special,” this Tortellini Pasta Salad really delivers. You’ll love how easy it is, and your guests will definitely ask for the recipe. Make it your own with your favorite mix-ins, and don’t forget to try homemade dressing for that zesty, made-from-scratch punch.

Leave a Comment