Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

This Italian tortellini pasta salad is filled to the brim with bold and fresh flavors, plus it is fast and easy to make!

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Italian tortellini pasta salad, loaded with salami, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, fresh veggies and a homemade Italian dressing, is the best side dish you’ll make this summer. The variety of color, flavors and textures will have everyone asking for the recipe.

This Italian pasta salad is fast and easy to make because the tortellini only takes seven minutes to cook. The homemade vinaigrette is easy to make with only six pantry staple ingredients,

The simple dressing pairs perfectly with the cheesy tortellini, meats, cheese and veggies. Basil adds a burst of fresh summer flavor as well as vibrant color.

Italian tortellini pasta salad is an ideal side dish recipe for any cookout or party you have going on this summer. Make it the day before your guests arrive so all the flavors of the pasta salad can meld together!

Ingredient Notes

Tortellini: I like to opt for the smaller tortellini so you can fit more per forkful.
Salami and pepperoni: similar to an Italian antipasto, salami and pepperoni add so much flavor, a slight peppery kick and protein.
Cherry tomatoes: don’t substitute any other tomato or it will water down the pasta salad.
Bell pepper: I used orange bell pepper to make this tortellini salad even more colorful.
Mozzarella balls: opt for the smallest mozzarella balls, sometimes called Ciliegine.
Black olives: use whole olives and slice them in half.
Fresh basil: I highly recommend fresh as it adds so much flavor to this pasta salad.
Dressing: simple homemade vinaigrette made with good quality olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt and black pepper.

Equipment

Pasta Pot
Colander
Large serving bowl
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Cook tortellini in well salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked to al dente, strain pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

While the tortellini is cooking, prepare the dressing by combining the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine dressing and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, salami, pepperoni, tomatoes, bell pepper, mozzarella balls, black olives, fresh basil and dressing. Gently toss to coat everything in dressing.

What to Serve with Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

This appetizer works well with a variety of summer dishes that you would serve at a BBQ or picnic that features summer produce, grilled meats and refreshing beverages. Here are some ideas:

Appetizer: Burrata Caprese
Entree: Copycat Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers
Side dish: Fig Panzanella Salad
Dessert: Gluten Free Lemon Cookies
Cocktail: Hugo Spritz

Tips

•  After straining, rinse the tortellini to stop the cooking process but don’t let it get completely cold. Warm tortellini will absorb the dressing more than cold tortellini.
• Chop the salami, pepperoni, tomato, bell pepper and black olives into bite sized pieces of similar size so the pasta salad is uniform and you are able to get more onto a single forkful.
• The tortellini pasta salad will continue to absorb dressing and develop flavor the longer it sits, therefore this is a great recipe to make ahead. Just toss everything again before serving to ensure everything is coated in dressing.
• This Italian tortellini pasta salad will last in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

Substitutions and Variations

Mozzarella balls: if you can’t find the mini mozzarella balls, you can use a log of fresh mozzarella and cut it into bite sized pieces.
Pepperoni: I used turkey pepperoni in my pasta salad and no one could tell the difference.
Dressing: in a pinch, store bought Italian dressing will work in place of the homemade dressing.
Vegetarian: omit the salami and pepperoni. Feel free to replace with one of the additional mix ins below.
Optional additional mix ins: feta, roasted red peppers, cucumber, artichoke hearts, banana peppers, pepperoncinis, red onion and kalamata olives are all delicious ways to mix up this Italian tortellini pasta salad.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Cobb Pasta Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad
• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Southwest Pasta Salad

If you make this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad, be sure to leave a comment below and rate this recipe! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thechowdown! I love seeing your creations!