What the heck is this?
Tortellini pasta salad is like the cooler, more flavorful cousin of your typical pasta salad. Stuffed with cheese and tossed with crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing, it’s a party in your mouth that’s ready to steal the show at picnics, potlucks, or anytime you want a quick, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s super versatile — you can customize it with your favorite add-ins and it still comes together in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses cheesy tortellini for an extra-delicious twist.
Bright, fresh veggies add crunch and color.
Tangy Italian dressing that’s easy to whip up or swap with store-bought.
Great make-ahead dish that only tastes better after chilling.
Perfect as a side or a main dish for light lunches.
Kid-friendly and totally customizable.

The Good Stuff You’ll Need

1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Do This

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Toss It All Together
In a large bowl, combine cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella, and fresh herbs. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.

Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors mingle. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. Great for picnics or packed lunches.

Switch It Up

Add cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni for a meaty kick.
Swap mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for tangier flavor.
Throw in some artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for extra zing.
Use fresh spinach or arugula instead of herbs for a leafy boost.

Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare everything a day ahead and store in an airtight container. Keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated.

Questions People Actually Ask

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes! Just cook it straight from frozen according to package instructions.

Q: Does this pasta salad keep well?
A: Definitely. It actually tastes better the next day once the flavors meld.

Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Sure! Use dairy-free tortellini and swap cheese for your favorite plant-based alternative.

Q: Can I use bottled Italian dressing?
A: You can, but homemade dressing really makes it shine.

Tortellini Pasta Salad: The Perfect Mix of Cheesy, Crunchy, and Fresh

Author: Tyla
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Tortellini pasta salad is like the cooler, more flavorful cousin of your typical pasta salad. Stuffed with cheese and tossed with crisp veggies, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing, it’s a party in your mouth that’s ready to steal the show at picnics, potlucks, or anytime you want a quick, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s super versatile — you can customize it with your favorite add-ins and it still comes together in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions