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Italian Tortellini Salad

Italian Tortellini Salad is a hearty pasta salad that is perfect for summer get togethers or backyard bbqs. Cheese tortellini is mixed with cubes of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and tossed in a light Italian dressing. 

Italian Tortellini Salad in a white bowl.

When summer rolls around I love to make pasta salads on repeat. Today I am excited to be partnering with American Dairy Association Mideast to bring you the perfect summer pasta salad. 

This Italian Tortellini Salad is a hearty salad that mixes together cheese tortellini, roasted red peppers, pepperoni, tomatoes, green onions, red onion, cubed cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and an Italian style dressing. 

I like to bring a side dish like this Italian Tortellini Salad to a summer bbq because it feeds a crowd and is like a meal all in itself. This salad is loaded with dairy offering a good dose of protein and calcium helping your guests feel full and energized.

Real milk is naturally nutrient-rich like no other beverage. It offers a unique combination of 13 essential nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, selenium and protein that are vital to a healthy immune system and overall wellness.

The nice thing about today’s tortellini pasta salad is that it is very customizable to your tastes and what you have on hand. I often will add in green olives, red bell pepper, artichokes or pepper jack cheese. 

If you are looking for other cold salads recipes to add to the rotation you should also try this Italian Pasta SaladMediterranean Tuna Pasta SaladGreek Orzo Pasta Salad or this Summer Orzo Pasta Salad. 

Italian Tortellini Salad ingredients.

Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Tortellini: I used a fresh tortellini that only requires about 5 minutes of boiling to prepare it. You can use any variety of tortellini that you like. 
  • Pepperoni: I love adding pepperoni or salami to this salad but if you want a vegetarian version leave this out. 
  • Cherry Tomatoes: I like to use cherry tomatoes and cut them in half or quarters. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes any variety of tomato works.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: I added roasted red peppers because I like the flavor. You can skip this and use fresh red bell pepper if you prefer. 
  • Red Onion: The red onion adds flavor but can be left out. You could also use sweet onion in its place. 
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs take salads to the next level. I always try to use fresh basil, parsley and oregano if I have it on hand. 
  • Green Onion: I like to chop the white and green parts of green onion to add to this salad. 
  • Cheese: I added cubed mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and sharp cheddar cheese to this salad. You could also use pepper jack or colby jack. 
  • Dressing: I made a homemade Italian style dressing using olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic and spices but you could also use a store-bought dressing.    
Italian Tortellini Salad in a white bowl.

How do you Make this Italian Pasta Salad

Step 1: Create the Dressing: If you are making a homemade Italian dressing prepare it ahead by placing all ingredients in a mason jar and shaking until combined. If not, you can use your favorite store-bought Italian dressing. 

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini in salted water according to the directions.  Drain the tortellini and then rinse with cool water and drain. 

Step 3: Mix the Salad Ingredients: Add the tortellini to a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients to the tortellini and gently mix together. 

Step 4: Mix the Dressing In: Pour half of the dressing over this summer tortellini salad recipe and gently toss. Taste and add more dressing to taste or save the remaining dressing and add to the salad before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Italian Tortellini Salad tortellini in a small bow.l.

Recipe Tips

  • The dressing will need to be shaken before using if you let it sit for a period of time because the ingredients will begin to separate.
  • Do not overcook the tortellini. You want to cook them until al dente. If you overcook them then they can start to fall apart.
  • The salad soaks up the dressing once it sit for a while. You will want to toss additional dressing in the salad before serving. 
  • Fresh herbs take this salad to the next level. I love adding fresh basil, parsley, oregano and thyme. 

Ways to Modify this Tortellini Salad

  • Beans: I love adding beans to pasta salads like these. Try chickpeas, white beans or black beans.
  • Cheese: Other cheese options for this salad are mozzarella pearls, feta cheese or monterrey jack cheese.
  • Vegetables: I love to load these types of salads up with vegetables. Other ideas are artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, kalamata olives, capers, pepperoncinis, banana peppers or fresh sweet corn.
  • Protein: You can add salami or shredded chicken for extra protein.
  • Spices: Some spices that would add great flavor is italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika or za’atar.

Italian Tortellini Salad in a clear bowl.

Recipe FAQ

How do I ensure the pasta doesn’t get overcooked?

Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for mixing. Then if you toss the cooled pasta in olive oil this will help it from sticking.

Do I have to refrigerate the salad before serving?

You don’t have to but when you refrigerate salad before serving it does help the dressing infuse into the salad. I find pasta salads are best served chilled or at room temperature because serving it too cold will cause the flavors to be muted.

Can I make a pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! Pasta salads are great to make-ahead. I usually add half of the dressing and then when I am ready to serve I add the remaining half.

Other Pasta Salads You Might Like:

Italian Tortellini Salad 1200 x 1200

Italian Tortellini Salad

Italian Tortellini Salad is a hearty pasta salad that is perfect for summer get togethers or backyard bbqs. Cheese tortellini is mixed with cubes of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and tossed in a light Italian dressing. 
4.50 from 4 votes
Print Pin
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dinner, healthy, lunch, pasta, salad, side dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 -8
6
Author: Julia

Ingredients

  • 1 – 20 ounce bag refrigerated cheese tortellini, cooked
  • 1 cup pepperoni, chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 6 ounces roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 1/3 red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 5 green onions, white and green parts chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese, shredded

FOR THE HOMEMADE ITALIAN DRESSING

  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • If you are making a homemade Italian dressing prepare it ahead by placing all ingredients in a mason jar and shaking until combined. If not, you can use your favorite store-bought Italian dressing.
  • Cook the tortellini in salted water according to the directions.
  • Drain the tortellini and then rinse with cool water and drain.
  • Add the tortellini to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredients to the tortellini and gently mix together.
  • Pour half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Taste and add more dressing to taste or save the remaining dressing and add to the salad before serving.

Notes

  • The dressing will need to be shaken before using if you let it sit for a period of time because the ingredients will begin to seperate.
  • Do not overcook the tortellini. You want to cook them until al dente. If you overcook them then they can start to fall apart.
  • Add other ingredients like artichokes, olives, banana peppers, pepperoncinis, chickpoeas, white beans, salami, bell peppers or cucumber.

Today’s post is sponsored by ADA Mideast.  As always all opinions are 100% my own.

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4.50 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

lowandslow

Monday 19th of June 2023

Like the addition of roasted red peppers and fresh herbs,however as much as we like cheese this was to much with already using cheese tortellini.

Julia

Monday 19th of June 2023

You can cut the cheese down and it is a great salad. Just half all of the cheese that is used!

Judine Boebel

Monday 20th of June 2022

Had this salad for Fathers Day barbecue it was delicious and went well with grilled chicken.

Julia

Monday 20th of June 2022

Thanks! So glad you liked it!

Comments are closed.