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This tortellini pasta salad is everything you want in a summer side dish. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together. Loaded with tender cheese tortellini, savory salami, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, it’s a simple recipe that always disappears fast.
We make it just as often for lunch the next day as we do for a side dish. And honestly, I actually make this is as our main dish quite often during the summer. It’s so fast and fresh and doesn’t heat up the house. It is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients
- Perfect served cold (great for make-ahead)
- Works as a side or main dish
- Easy to customize with what you have
Ingredients You’ll Need
Summers are all about pasta salad recipes and this easy tortellini pasta salad is fresh, flavorful, perfect for hot summer days and done in just 15 minutes! Here is what you need:
- Cheese Tortellini: the hearty base that makes this salad extra satisfying
- Kosher Salt: adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks
- Mozzarella (marinated): adds a savory, salty bite
- Salami: bring creaminess and built-in flavor
- Black Olives: add a rich, salty bite that brings a classic Italian flavor to the salad
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: fresh and juicy
- Red and Orange Bell Peppers: add a sweet, crisp crunch and bright color
- English Cucumbers: add a fresh, cool crunch with a mild flavor
- Red Onion: adds a sharp bite and a little zing to balance the flavors
- Fresh Basil: bright, herby finish
- Italian Dressing: adds a tangy, herby flavor that ties everything together
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
Don’t blink because you might miss this…
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook until they float to the top. Drain and let cool.
- Combine ingredients: Once cooled, add tortellini to a large bowl with salami, mozzarella (including oil and herbs), tomatoes, and basil.
- Toss and serve: Gently toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt to taste and serve.
👉 Serve immediately or chill for later—this pasta salad is delicious either way.
Variations and Substitutions
This tortellini salad is easy to customize based on your taste or what you have on hand:
- Make it vegetarian – Skip the salami and add extra veggies
- Swap the meat – Use pepperoni, ham, or grilled chicken instead of salami.
- Add more veggies – Try spinach, arugula, peas, or artichoke hearts.
- Make it creamy – Add a spoonful of pesto or a little mayo for a richer version.
- Turn it into a meal – Add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and make it more filling.
Tortellini Pasta Salad FAQs
Yes! Tortellini salad is best served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep, picnics, and potlucks.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
Absolutely. This salad actually tastes even better after it sits for a few hours and the flavors meld together.
You can lightly rinse tortellini with cool water to stop the cooking process and help it cool faster.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and fresh ingredients can change once thawed.
What to Eat with Tortellini Salad
This tortellini salad pairs perfectly with all your summer favorites:
Pasta salad recipes all summer long! I love them as a side dish, a main dish, and especially for lunch the next day! And I don’t know about you, but anything with tortellini in it is always a two thumbs up from me! Make this 15 Minute Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad!