Go Back
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - ½ red onion, finely chopped - ½ cup black olives, sliced - ½ cup mozzarella balls, halved - ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped You need the right ingredients for a great Italian tortellini pasta salad. Start with cheese tortellini. It adds a rich, creamy taste. Then, gather fresh, colorful veggies. Cherry tomatoes give a sweet burst. Cucumbers add crunch. Bell peppers bring color and flavor. Don’t forget the red onion for a sharp bite. Black olives add a salty touch. Finally, mozzarella balls provide a soft, chewy texture. Fresh basil adds a nice herbal note. - ¼ cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar The dressing is simple but full of flavor. Use high-quality olive oil for richness. Balsamic vinegar adds acidity and sweetness. This mix elevates the salad and ties it all together. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Seasoning is key to making the flavors pop. Dried oregano gives a classic Italian taste. Salt and pepper are essential for overall flavor balance. Adjust these to your liking to make every bite delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 12 ounces of cheese tortellini. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to be al dente, which means they should be firm but cooked. After they are done, drain the tortellini and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools them down. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with other fresh ingredients. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, and 1 diced bell pepper. You can use red or yellow for a pop of color. Next, add ½ cup of finely chopped red onion, ½ cup of sliced black olives, and ½ cup of halved mozzarella balls. Finally, toss in ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil for a burst of flavor. Mix everything gently so it combines well. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Start with ¼ cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Then, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the mixture is well combined. This dressing will bring all the flavors together. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. This helps each bite burst with flavor. Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Italian tortellini pasta salad! To make great tortellini, cook it just right. For an al dente texture, boil it for 4 to 5 minutes. Check the package for the exact time. If you cook it too long, it may become mushy. After cooking, drain and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps it firm. You can add more flavor to your salad. Try adding grated parmesan cheese for a rich taste. Garlic can also boost the flavor. Just a little minced garlic goes a long way. Feel free to add your favorite herbs too. Fresh parsley or basil will brighten the dish. A beautiful salad is always more inviting. Serve your tortellini salad in a large bowl. Garnish it with extra basil leaves on top. You can drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar for a nice look. Use colorful plates to make the dish pop. A sprinkle of black olives adds contrast and charm. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables you can find for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Make Ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance or the night before to allow the flavors to develop. Customizable: Feel free to swap out the vegetables or add proteins like grilled chicken or salami for a heartier dish. Serving Size: This salad serves well as a side dish or main course, adjust the serving sizes accordingly based on your meal. {{image_2}} You can make your Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad even more colorful and healthy by adding more vegetables. Try mixing in some spinach or arugula for a fresh bite. You can also choose zucchini or bell peppers for a crunchy texture. If you want protein, consider adding chickpeas or black beans. They add fiber and help make the dish more filling. If you want to add more protein, think about using chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Grilled chicken adds great flavor. Shrimp can offer a nice twist, bringing a seafood element to your salad. For a plant-based option, try cubed tofu. Marinate it in soy sauce for extra taste before adding it to your salad. The dressing can change the whole vibe of your salad. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs is light and zesty. For a creamier texture, try a ranch or Caesar dressing. You can even mix yogurt with herbs for a tangy twist. Experimenting with different dressings can lead to exciting new flavors. To keep your Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the salad from drying out. Place the container in the fridge as soon as you finish serving. Make sure to keep the dressing separate if you plan to store leftovers. This way, the salad stays crunchy. This salad is best served cold, so you don't need to reheat it. If you have leftovers, just take them out of the fridge. Toss the salad lightly to mix everything again. You can add a splash of olive oil or vinegar for extra flavor if needed. The salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After that, the ingredients may start to lose their taste and texture. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a strange smell or slimy veggies, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your delicious salad while it is fresh! Tortellini is a small pasta, often stuffed with cheese. The dough is made from flour and eggs. You can find different types, like cheese, meat, or even spinach. Each type adds a unique taste and texture to your dish. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes better after resting in the fridge. To prep in advance, cook the tortellini and chop the veggies. Mix them, but wait to add the dressing. This keeps everything fresh. Cover the salad and store it in the fridge. Just add the dressing just before serving. No, regular tortellini is not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn. This way, you can enjoy the salad without gluten. Just check the package for gluten-free labels when you shop. This pasta salad combines cheese tortellini and fresh vegetables for a tasty dish. We covered the key ingredients, dressing components, and seasoning to boost flavor. I shared steps to cook and mix everything perfectly. You have useful tips for cooking and serving. You can also make variations that fit your taste. Remember, store it right to keep it fresh! Whether you serve it right away or save some for later, enjoy this quick and easy salad. It’s a fun way to eat well!

Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad featuring cheese tortellini and fresh vegetables, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • ½ whole red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced
  • ½ cup mozzarella balls, halved
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 4-5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, sliced black olives, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Serve in a large salad bowl with extra basil leaves for garnish. Drizzle additional balsamic vinegar on top before serving for an appealing look.
Keyword pasta salad, tortellini, vegetarian