Fresh & Zingy Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe For Summer Gatherings

Summer gatherings always spark excitement around this delightful tortellini pasta salad that combines fresh ingredients with vibrant flavors.

Mediterranean influences shine through each colorful bite of cheese-filled pasta.

Crisp vegetables add delightful crunch and unexpected texture to the mix.

Light herbs dance across the plate, creating a refreshing meal perfect for warm afternoons.

Cheese tortellini serves as the star, offering rich and satisfying substance to every forkful.

Quick preparation means you can spend more time enjoying company instead of cooking.

This simple yet impressive dish promises to become your new favorite potluck contribution.

What Makes Tortellini Pasta Salad So Versatile

• Boost Quick Meal Prep: Craft this delightful pasta salad in minutes with minimal cooking steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Create Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with vibrant ingredients like pepperoni, mozzarella, and artichoke hearts, this dish appeals to diverse taste preferences and suits various occasions from picnics to potlucks.
• Elevate Flavor Complexity: The homemade balsamic dressing adds a gourmet touch, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience that will impress family and friends.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for vegetarians, meat lovers, or anyone wanting to experiment with flavors.

Ingredients Needed for Tortellini Pasta Salad Dish

• Tortellini: A soft, ring-shaped pasta stuffed with cheese that forms the base of the salad.

• Pepperoni, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Add savory, rich flavors and protein to create a satisfying and hearty salad.

• Green Onions, Cherry Tomatoes, Black Olives, Artichoke Hearts, Pepperoncini: Provide crisp texture, bright colors, and tangy Mediterranean flavors that complement the pasta.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Italian Seasoning, Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Create a classic, zesty dressing that ties all the ingredients together with a smooth and balanced taste.

Steps to Make Cold Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Tortellini

Drop tortellini into rapidly boiling water and cook according to package instructions. Once tender, drain the pasta and gently toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent clumping.

Let the tortellini cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Chop Supporting Ingredients

• Pepperoni (sliced into thin rounds)
• Mozzarella (cubed)
• Parmesan (grated)
• Green onions (thinly sliced)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Black olives (sliced)
• Artichoke hearts (chopped)
• Pepperoncini (rings)

Step 3: Create Tangy Dressing

• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend or whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble Pasta Salad

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled tortellini with chopped ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

For maximum flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. Give a final toss and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Tips to Nail Tortellini Pasta Salad Texture

• Toss cooked tortellini with olive oil immediately after draining to stop them from clumping together.
• Refrigerate the salad for 2-3 hours before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper taste profiles.
• Swap pepperoni with grilled chicken, salami, or keep it vegetarian by adding roasted vegetables or chickpeas.
• Whisk or blend dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth, well-emulsified flavor distribution throughout the salad.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance, storing dressing separately and mixing just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Variations to Try in Your Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Veggie Voyage: Replace pepperoni with grilled zucchini, roasted red peppers, and crumbled feta cheese. Swap balsamic dressing for a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
• Spicy Southwest Kickback: Add black beans, corn, diced jalapeños, and cilantro. Use a chipotle-lime dressing with a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Protein Power Punch: Incorporate grilled chicken, salami, and diced ham. Mix in spinach leaves and sundried tomatoes for added nutrition.
• Creamy Herb Garden: Create a rich ranch-based dressing with fresh dill and chives. Include cucumber chunks and substitute mozzarella with creamy goat cheese.

What to Pair With Tortellini Pasta Salad Bowl

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc's bright acidity and herbal notes perfectly complement the tangy pepperoncini and rich cheese in the tortellini salad.
• Complement with Rustic Bread: Serve a crusty Italian ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious balsamic dressing and add textural contrast to the pasta.
• Match with Charcuterie Selection: Include salami, prosciutto, and cured meats that echo the pepperoni's flavor profile and enhance the Mediterranean-style ingredients.
• Refresh with Sparkling Water: Add a slice of lemon to mineral water to cleanse the palate between bites of the robust, flavor-packed salad.

Storage Tips for Chilled Tortellini Pasta Salad

Store the tortellini pasta salad in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.

Transfer the salad to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Note that dairy and fresh vegetables might slightly change texture upon thawing.

Move frozen salad to the refrigerator overnight for gradual defrosting. Gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients and dressing.

Warm slightly at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. If needed, add a splash of fresh dressing to revive flavors and moisture. Avoid microwaving to prevent pasta from becoming tough or rubbery.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen tortellini for this salad?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook it according to package instructions and let it cool before adding to the salad.

• Is this salad vegetarian-friendly?

No, the recipe contains pepperoni. To make it vegetarian, omit the pepperoni or replace it with vegetarian protein alternatives like roasted vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes.

• How long can I keep this pasta salad in the refrigerator?

The salad stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day of marinating.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful tortellini pasta salad brings Italian countryside charm to summer gatherings. Fresh herbs, tangy dressing, and cheese-filled pasta create a perfect picnic companion you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) refrigerated tortellini

Proteins and Cheese:

• 57 ounces (1,616 grams) pepperoni slices, chopped
• 8 ounces (227 grams) mozzarella, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 4 ounces (113 grams) Parmesan, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

Vegetables and Other Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 dry pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 can medium black olives
• 1 (6-ounce/170 grams) jar marinated artichoke hearts
• 1/2 cup deli-sliced pepperoncini
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (white or regular)
• 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook tortellini in rapidly boiling water for 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and gently coat with olive oil to prevent clumping.
2. Chop pepperoni into bite-sized pieces and dice green onions. Halve cherry tomatoes and slice artichoke hearts.
3. Transfer cooled tortellini to a spacious mixing bowl. Add prepared pepperoni, mozzarella cubes, grated Parmesan, green onions, cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, artichoke hearts, and pepperoncini.
4. Create dressing by combining balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously or pulse in blender until ingredients emulsify into a smooth consistency.
5. Pour dressing over salad ingredients and gently fold to ensure even distribution. Ensure each pasta and ingredient is lightly coated with dressing.
6. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Toss again just before serving to redistribute dressing and reinvigorate ingredients. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Notes

• Drain tortellini completely to prevent watery salad and ensure dressing clings perfectly to pasta.
• Choose cheese tortellini for richer flavor or opt for spinach variety to add extra nutrition and vibrant color.
• Customize salad by swapping pepperoni with grilled chicken or keeping it vegetarian with roasted vegetables for diverse dietary needs.
• Prepare dressing in advance and store in refrigerator up to 3 days to save time and let flavors develop more intensely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 444 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 752 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg