As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, the craving for fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious meals intensifies. This Easy Italian Tortellini Salad perfectly encapsulates the spirit of summer dining – it’s a robust pasta salad that effortlessly shines at any casual backyard barbecue, lively summer get-together, or festive potluck. Bursting with Italian-inspired flavors and a delightful array of textures, it’s a dish designed to impress without demanding hours in the kitchen.

We’re excited to partner with the American Dairy Association Mideast to bring you this irresistible summer pasta salad. It’s a hearty concoction that blends tender, cheesy tortellini with an abundance of complementary ingredients. Picture cubes of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet and smoky roasted red peppers, zesty pepperoni, and a generous sprinkle of salty Parmesan cheese. Fresh, aromatic herbs like basil and parsley add a bright finish, all harmoniously tossed in a light and zesty homemade Italian-style dressing. The result is a vibrant, satisfying, and endlessly appealing dish that stands out on any buffet table.

What makes this Italian Tortellini Salad truly special is its incredible versatility and satisfying nature. It’s more than just a side; it can easily serve as a light main course, especially when you’re feeding a crowd. Its rich blend of ingredients ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and substance, making it a wonderful option for large gatherings where guests appreciate a filling and delicious dish. Furthermore, this salad is loaded with high-quality dairy components, from the cheese-filled tortellini to the various cubed and shredded cheeses. This provides a fantastic dose of protein and calcium, helping to keep your guests feeling full, energized, and nourished throughout your summer celebrations.

If your summer menu rotation could use more exciting cold salad recipes, don’t stop here! We encourage you to explore other refreshing options like our crowd-favorite Classic Italian Pasta Salad, the protein-rich Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad, the light and tangy Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, or the seasonal delight that is our Summer Orzo Pasta Salad. Each offers a unique twist on classic flavors, perfect for any warm-weather occasion.

The magic of this Easy Italian Tortellini Salad truly lies in the quality and harmony of its ingredients. While the comprehensive recipe card below provides precise measurements, let’s explore each key component and how it contributes to this sensational dish:

• Tortellini: The foundation of our salad. I highly recommend using fresh, refrigerated cheese tortellini as it cooks quickly (usually just 3-5 minutes) and maintains a wonderful tender-chewy texture. You can, however, use other varieties such as spinach and ricotta tortellini, or even meat-filled tortellini if you prefer. Just be sure to cook it al dente to ensure it holds up well in the salad and doesn’t become mushy.
• Pepperoni: These savory, thinly sliced pieces of pepperoni add a fantastic punch of flavor and a pleasing texture. Their slight spice and rich, meaty notes are quintessential in an Italian-style salad. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the pepperoni, or consider adding plant-based “pepperoni” slices for a similar experience. Diced salami is another excellent substitute for an equally robust flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright, sweet, and bursting with juiciness, cherry tomatoes add a refreshing element and a pop of color. Halving or quartering them allows their delicious juices to mingle with the dressing and ensures a bite of tomato in every forkful. If cherry tomatoes are out of season, any ripe, firm tomato diced into small pieces will work well.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred roasted red peppers are a secret weapon in this recipe. They bring a deep, sweet, and smoky flavor that significantly enhances the salad’s complexity. Be sure to drain them well and chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a crunchier element, fresh red bell pepper, finely diced, can be used as an alternative.
• Green Onions: These mild, slender onions offer a fresh, subtle onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. I recommend chopping both the white and green parts to maximize their flavor and add beautiful flecks of green throughout the salad. They contribute a gentle crispness.
• A Trio of Cheeses: This salad is a celebration of cheese! We use a delightful combination:
  • Cubed Mozzarella: Provides a soft, mild, and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini) are also a fantastic option.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold, tangy kick that contrasts beautifully with the milder cheeses and savory meats.
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, umami-rich depth of flavor that is essential for an authentic Italian profile.
  • Optional Additions: Don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy touch, Colby Jack, or crumbled feta for a tangy Mediterranean twist.
• Fresh Herbs: The freshness of herbs is paramount. Finely chopped fresh basil and parsley infuse the salad with bright, aromatic notes that dried herbs simply can’t replicate. Consider adding a touch of fresh oregano or chives for even more depth. These truly elevate the “Italian” essence of the dish.
• Italian Dressing: The dressing ties everything together. While a good quality store-bought Italian dressing can work for convenience, a homemade version is truly superior. My go-to features extra virgin olive oil, vibrant red wine vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, pungent minced garlic, and a thoughtful blend of dried oregano, dried basil, a pinch of crushed red pepper for a subtle warmth, salt, and black pepper. Making it from scratch allows you to control the quality and balance of flavors precisely.
• Red Onion: A small amount of finely diced red onion provides a sharp, pungent kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni, creating a lovely balance. If you find raw red onion too intense, a trick is to soak the diced pieces in ice water for about 10-15 minutes, which significantly mellows its flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Easy Italian Tortellini Salad

Creating this delicious Italian Tortellini Salad is surprisingly simple and requires just a few key steps. Follow this guide for a perfect, flavorful result every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Italian Dressing
Whether you’re crafting it from scratch or using a store-bought version, get your dressing ready first. If making homemade, combine all dressing ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper—in a small bowl or a mason jar. If using a jar, secure the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk well. Set aside to allow the flavors to deepen while you continue with the rest of the salad preparation.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes for fresh, refrigerated tortellini. It is crucial not to overcook the tortellini, as it can become mushy and lose its shape when mixed into the salad. Once cooked, immediately drain the tortellini in a colander. Rinse it thoroughly under cool or cold running water. This essential step halts the cooking process, cools the pasta down quickly, and prevents it from sticking together. Ensure it’s completely drained before moving on.

Step 3: Combine All Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently add the cooled and well-drained tortellini. To this, add all the other prepared salad components: the chopped pepperoni, halved cherry tomatoes, drained and finely chopped roasted red peppers, finely diced red onion, freshly chopped basil, freshly chopped parsley, chopped green onions, cubed mozzarella cheese, cubed sharp cheddar cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently mix everything together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed without crushing the tortellini.

Step 4: Dress, Toss, and Chill
Pour approximately half of your prepared Italian dressing over the combined tortellini and vegetable mixture. Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are lightly coated. Now, taste a small portion of the salad to assess the seasoning and dressing levels. Add more dressing to your preference, or save the remaining dressing to add just before serving, particularly if you plan to make the salad ahead. Pasta tends to absorb dressing over time, so refreshing it before serving ensures optimal flavor and moisture. For the best flavor development, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for a few hours, before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Creative Ways to Customize and Modify Your Tortellini Salad

The beauty of this Easy Italian Tortellini Salad lies in its versatility. It’s a fantastic base that welcomes a myriad of additions and substitutions, allowing you to tailor it to your personal taste preferences, dietary needs, or what fresh ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Boost with Beans & Legumes: For added protein, fiber, and a satisfying heartiness, consider these additions:
  • Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): Their nutty flavor and firm texture are a perfect match for this salad.
  • Cannellini Beans (White Kidney Beans): Creamy and mild, they blend seamlessly with the Italian flavors.
  • Black Beans: While less traditional, they can introduce an earthy depth and make the salad even more substantial.
• Explore a World of Cheeses: Beyond our suggested blend, many other cheeses would be delightful:
  • Fresh Mozzarella Pearls (Bocconcini): These small, tender balls of fresh mozzarella are a gourmet touch and soak up the dressing beautifully.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy, salty, and slightly crumbly texture, leaning towards a Mediterranean profile.
  • Provolone: Diced provolone would be a classic Italian complement, offering a mild, slightly sharp flavor.
  • Goat Cheese: For a creamy, rich, and slightly tart element that adds sophistication.
  • Smoked Gouda: If you enjoy a smoky undertone, diced smoked Gouda can be surprisingly delicious.
• Amp Up the Veggies: This salad is an ideal canvas for incorporating more fresh or marinated vegetables. The more, the merrier!
  • Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Drained and chopped, they provide a wonderfully briny and tangy flavor.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed and chopped, these offer an intense, concentrated sweet-tart tomato flavor.
  • Olives: Sliced black olives or Kalamata olives add a salty, briny kick that’s distinctly Mediterranean-Italian.
  • Capers: Tiny capers offer a pungent, salty burst of flavor that pairs well with the dressing.
  • Pepperoncinis or Banana Peppers: Sliced, these provide a pleasant tangy, mild heat that brightens the palate.
  • Fresh Sweet Corn: Cut directly from the cob, it adds a lovely sweetness and satisfying crunch, especially in summer.
  • Cucumber: Diced cucumber offers a refreshing, cool, and crisp element.
  • Bell Peppers: Any color of bell pepper (red, yellow, orange, green) adds fantastic crunch and a subtle sweetness.
  • Zucchini: Finely diced raw zucchini can add a delicate freshness.
• Boost the Protein Content: To make this salad a complete meal, consider adding more protein:
  • Diced Hard Salami: Similar to pepperoni, but with a different spice blend, perfect for an Italian deli-style salad.
  • Grilled or Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover grilled chicken can turn this into a substantial entrée.
  • Flaked Tuna or Canned Salmon: For a seafood twist, these can be gently folded in.
  • Cooked Shrimp: Chilled, cooked shrimp adds an elegant protein option.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Chopped hard-boiled eggs provide creaminess and extra protein.
• Enhance with Additional Spices & Seasonings: Fine-tune the flavor profile with extra herbs and spices:
  • Italian Seasoning Blend: A quick way to intensify the classic Italian flavors.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love an extra kick of heat, adjust to your preferred spice level.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful reddish hue.
  • Garlic Powder or Onion Powder: If you want to deepen the allium flavors without adding more fresh onion.
  • Dried Dill or Chives: For a slightly different aromatic touch.

Easy Italian Tortellini Salad

Ingredients 

Instructions 

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.