Easy tortellini pasta salad made with zesty Italian dressing in just 15 minutes! So full of flavor and a hearty side dish the whole family will love. Perfect for any summer BBQ!
More pasta salads we love include this Caprese pasta salad and orzo salad!
Table of Contents
Italian Tortellini Salad
This Italian tortellini salad is one of my favorite pasta salad recipes to make during the summer. It’s made with soft and cheesy tortellini, fresh veggies, black olives, salami and a zesty Italian dressing. We love to serve it alongside grilled chicken or chicken kabobs with some fresh grilled corn on the cob. The leftovers also taste amazing the next day for lunch. The Italian dressing really marinates all the flavors together while it chills in the fridge.
It also makes the perfect side dish to bring to a BBQ and is very filling. Not to mention it is SUPER easy to make. It will be done in 15 minutes or less. You all know I love easy meals, especially during the summer time and this is my #1 go to. It holds up so well!
Tips + Variations
This delicious side dish is easy pasta salad meets antipasto but is much more filling with the cheese tortellini noodles and salami. I also love the addition of the fresh cucumbers for the perfect crunch. It has the best Italian flavor and is the perfect cold salad to enjoy during the summer.
- Tortellini. The cheese filling inside the tortellini absolutely makes this dish! While other types of pasta like farfalle or rotini would still taste delicious, I definitely recommend tortellini for the best flavor and texture.
- Other veggies. Feel free to mix in other veggies like broccoli or zucchini.
- Salami. This adds great flavor and makes it a little more filling. If you prefer pepperoni, you can use that instead. Or leave out the meat completely to make vegetarian.
- Italian dressing. You can use store-bought (Olive Garden salad dressing is my favorite) or make your own homemade Italian dressing.
- Chill before serving. After preparing the salad, I like to let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. The flavors marinate together and have a bolder taste.
- Fresh parmesan cheese. For the ultimate Italian flavor, top the salad with some freshly shaved parmesan cheese.
- Pesto. For a fun twist on flavor, use a mix of Italian dressing + basil pesto.
- Spice. If you like heat, feel free to mix in a few red pepper flakes.
Making in Advance
To make ahead: This salad can easily be made the night before (or morning of) and stored in the fridge to chill until ready to serve. The flavors marinate together and taste amazing! However I’d only recommend making it 1 day in advance, as you still want the veggies to stay fresh and crisp. Feel free to add a little more Italian dressing right before serving to keep it moist.
To store: This dish will last for about 5 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to store in an airtight container. Thread tortellini unto these mini antipasto skewers to give your leftovers a makeover!
Love fresh salad recipes with Italian flavor? Try this copycat Olive garden salad, Italian salad or antipasto salad!
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Tortellini Pasta Salad
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound three cheese tortellini
- 1 pint grape tomatoes , sliced
- 1 bell pepper , chopped
- 1 cucumber , chopped
- ¾ cup sliced olives
- ¼ cup sliced or chopped red onion
- 1 cup chopped salami or pepperoni , about 1/4 lb
- 1 ¼ cups Italian dressing , I like using the Olive Garden brand, more if needed
- Shredded parmesan cheese , optional
- Chopped parsley , optional
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and run through cool water, until cooled.
- Chop the tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber and onion on a cutting board. Then combine them with the tortellini, olives and salami in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and stir gently until evenly coated.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Top with shredded parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, before serving, if desired. Serve while chilled.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 4th of July, Italian, Pasta Salad, Salads, Side Dishes
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Took the tortellini salad to game night. Two of our picky eaters loved it so much they had seconds and one took what little was left over home with her. I will definitely be making again. I used Olive Garden dressing, some vegetables, pepperoni and crumbled feta cheese.
So glad you found a salad everyone loved!
Hi. I absolutely cannot wait to make this recipe! Question: I do not care for black olives. Do I just leave them out altogether or do I need to substitute for another ingredient? Thanks very much!!
You can just leave them out! :)
Very colorful & tasty. Everyone had seconds! Very easy to make.
I’m so happy to hear it was a hit! Thanks for your comment and review, Linda :)
LOVE Italian pasta salad. The tortellini totally makes it!
Oh wow! This looks is such an amazing dish! My family and I love love loved this recipe! So delicious and very tasty!
This is such a crowd pleaser! It’s delicious and the perfect summer salad.
I’m so glad to hear it was a hit! :)
Just finished making this salad for tonight and it’s chilling in the refrigerator. I made a slight change to the recipe by substituting turkey for the pepperoni and salami. Of course I had a little taste and it was wonderful. This is a keeper.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :)
I made this for a family barbeque today. One of my cousins told me it was the BEST pasta salad she had ever had! It’s delicious, bright, and fresh.
What a compliment! Thanks for sharing your comment and review Morgan!
This is so good! Delicious!
Glad you enjoyed this pasta salad :)
My family loves this salad! The salami in it made it perfect!
PERFECT pasta salad for spring and summer cookouts! I will be making this for sure!
This was so good. Was the first thing to go at the potluck!
THIS IS SUCH A YUMMY SALAD, AND IT’S SO EASY TO MAKE. SOMETIMES I DON’T HAVE THE PEPPERONI, BUT IT’S STILL GOOD!
How long can this last in the fridge?
It will last 5-7 days! :)
This tortellini pasta salad looks incredible! Definitely adding it to my summer menu!
It is always a big hit at BBQs and parties! Hope you enjoy! :)