Tortellini Salad (Easy Pasta Salad)

Why This Is The Best Tortellini Salad Recipe 

• Quick and Easy: This tortellini pasta salad is super easy to make. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Versatile: This salad makes a great side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or picnics. You can also enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch or dinner option.
• Family Favorite: This is one of those rare recipes that the whole family can agree on. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Vegetarian Option: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for those who don't eat meat.
• Customizable: This salad is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out the cheese to make it your own.

Key Ingredients

Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

• Cheese-Filled Tortellini: This pasta adds a hearty, cheesy element to the salad, making it a satisfying main dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a sweet and tangy burst of freshness to the salad, as well as a pop of color.
• Fresh Arugula: This leafy green adds a peppery bite and a fresh, crisp texture to the salad.
• Black Olives: Sliced black olives add a rich, earthy flavor and a smooth texture to the salad.
• Cotija Cheese or Parmesan Cheese: Crumbled Cotija cheese or grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, tangy finish to the salad.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp,  tangy flavor and a crunchy texture to the salad, as well as a pop of color.
• Red and Green Bell Peppers: Diced red and green bell peppers add a sweet, crunchy texture and a pop of color to the salad.

Tips For Making the Best Tortellini Pasta Salad 

• Soak the red onion: If you're not a fan of strong onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. This simple trick helps to reduce the sharpness of the onion, making it more palatable in the salad.
• Add fresh herbs: To enhance the overall flavors of your tortellini salad, consider adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley. These herbs will not only add a pop of color but also a burst of fresh, herby flavor that complements the other ingredients in the salad.
• Customize your dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can easily achieve this by adding a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing mixture. This simple tweak will give your salad a creamy, tangy twist that's absolutely delicious.
• Try sweet add-ins: If you have a sweet tooth, consider adding dried cranberries or raisins to your tortellini pasta salad. These sweet add-ins will provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors in the salad, making each bite a flavor adventure.
• Don't forget to season: Before serving, be sure to give your salad a good toss and a final check for seasoning. This will ensure that your tortellini salad is perfectly seasoned and ready to impress.

Serving Suggestions

• For a light lunch, pair this tortellini salad with a side of garlic focaccia bread and a glass of iced tea. The refreshing, sweet tea perfectly balances the savory flavors of the salad.
• If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, serve this tortellini salad alongside a grilled chicken breast. The protein will make the meal more filling while still keeping it healthy and delicious.
• Want to impress at your next potluck? This tortellini salad is a great choice. The unique combination of flavors and the beautiful presentation are sure to stand out on the buffet table.

Recipe Variation Ideas 

• Spicy: If you're a fan of spicy foods, this variation is perfect for you. Simply add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the dressing. The heat from the flakes will give your tortellini salad a spicy kick that's sure to please your tastebuds.
• Protein-Packed: For those who like a protein punch in their salads, this variation is a must-try. Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad to turn it into a complete meal. The added protein will make this dish even more satisfying.
• Different Cheese: If you want to experiment with different cheese flavors, this variation is a great choice. Instead of the traditional Cotija or Parmesan cheese, try a creamy Gorgonzola or a sharp cheddar. This will give your tortellini salad a unique and delicious cheese twist.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to Store Leftovers

• Fridge: This tortellini salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. I recommend placing it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, this tortellini salad recipe doesn't freeze well due to the nature of the ingredients. The texture of the tortellini and vegetables can become mushy once thawed, so I wouldn't recommend freezing them.