The Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish loaded with cheesy tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a rich, flavorful pesto dressing. It’s a perfect cold pasta dish that balances freshness with indulgence, making it ideal for picnics, parties, or quick family dinners.
Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a light main course, this recipe delivers big on both taste and texture. The creamy pesto dressing ties everything together beautifully, while the chilled tortellini makes this salad refreshingly satisfying. Prepare it in advance and let the flavors marinate for an even tastier experience!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup mozzarella pearls
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/3 cup black olives, sliced
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1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
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1/2 cup creamy pesto dressing (store-bought or homemade)
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain and rinse the tortellini under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let cool completely.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, red onion, black olives, and basil.
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Drizzle the creamy pesto dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, season with salt and black pepper, and mix lightly.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Tortellini Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that instantly brings joy to the table. With its combination of creamy cheese-filled pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, milky mozzarella pearls, and the zesty zing of pesto, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite for so many. It’s colorful, crowd-pleasing, and comes together in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family or preparing for a picnic, this recipe delivers a balance of flavor and simplicity.
What makes this pasta salad shine is its versatility. You can serve it warm or cold, as a main dish or a side, for lunchboxes, parties, or potlucks. The tortellini provide a delicious twist on classic pasta salad, offering a rich, cheesy bite in every forkful. Combined with a creamy pesto dressing and fresh ingredients, it’s a winning combination that keeps people coming back for seconds.
The Flavor Profile
The flavor of this pasta salad is comforting and vibrant at the same time. The tortellini add a buttery, savory note thanks to their cheese filling. The cherry tomatoes bring bursts of sweetness and acidity, while the mozzarella pearls offer a creamy, neutral balance. Red onions cut through the richness with a touch of bite, and sliced olives introduce a mild briny finish.
But what ties it all together is the pesto dressing. Whether you go with homemade or store-bought, pesto adds a herby brightness, nutty depth (from pine nuts or cashews), and a garlicky kick that complements the pasta perfectly. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh basil finishes the dish with an aromatic flourish.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Tortellini:
You can use any type of cheese tortellini either fresh, frozen, or even dried. If you’re feeling adventurous, try varieties like spinach and ricotta or mushroom tortellini for added dimension.
Mozzarella Pearls:
These are soft, bite-sized balls of mozzarella that are perfect for salads. If you don’t have access to pearls, dice a block of fresh mozzarella or tear up burrata for a more luxurious touch.
Cherry Tomatoes:
These are preferred for their sweetness and minimal water content, but grape tomatoes also work well. For extra flavor, try roasting them briefly before adding them to the salad.
Red Onion:
Thinly slicing the onion helps tone down its sharpness. If you’re sensitive to raw onions, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
Pesto Dressing:
You can use a classic basil pesto, but feel free to explore variations like sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or even avocado pesto for a creamy twist.
Add-ins:
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Protein: Grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or salami can make this a complete meal.
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Veggies: Add cucumbers, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for more crunch and color.
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Greens: Toss in baby spinach or arugula to introduce some leafy texture.
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Nuts: A handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts can add crunch and complexity.
How to Make Ahead and Store
One of the best things about tortellini pasta salad is how well it keeps in the fridge. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded together.
Make-Ahead Tips:
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Cook and cool the tortellini in advance.
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Prep and store chopped vegetables and cheese separately until ready to assemble.
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Combine everything with the dressing about 30 minutes before serving for maximum freshness.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you can refresh it with an extra spoonful of pesto or a drizzle of olive oil before serving again.
Serving Suggestions
This tortellini pasta salad is the perfect side dish for so many occasions. Try serving it with:
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Grilled meats like chicken skewers, sausages, or flank steak
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Fresh sandwiches or paninis for a picnic or lunch spread
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Soup or broth on the side for a comforting dinner
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As a main dish with added protein, especially for easy weeknight dinners
It’s also fantastic served at room temperature, making it ideal for events like:
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Summer barbecues
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Bridal or baby showers
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Graduation parties
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Potlucks or neighborhood gatherings
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Work lunches and packed meals
Pair it with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or crisp white wine for a refreshing meal.
How to Make It Kid-Friendly
If you’re serving a crowd with picky eaters, this pasta salad is a safe bet. You can skip the red onions or olives if your little ones aren’t fans. Add extra cheese or even toss in some mini pepperoni to make it more fun and familiar.
Kids love the chewy bite of tortellini, and the mild pesto flavor is usually more approachable than tangier vinaigrettes or heavy dressings.
Elevate It for a Fancy Brunch or Dinner Party
To dress up this simple salad for a more elegant occasion, try these small upgrades:
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Use homemade pesto with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan, and high-quality olive oil.
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Garnish with microgreens, shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, or edible flowers.
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Serve in glass bowls or layer in mason jars for a stylish individual presentation.
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Offer it alongside a curated cheese board or antipasto platter for a Mediterranean spread.
Healthier Modifications
To lighten up this recipe without sacrificing flavor, consider:
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Using whole wheat or spinach tortellini for added fiber.
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Swapping full-fat cheese for part-skim mozzarella or dairy-free versions.
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Making your own pesto with Greek yogurt as the creamy base.
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Adding more vegetables and greens to bulk up the salad with fewer calories per serving.
This dish can be adapted for vegetarian diets easily, and even gluten-free diets if you can find gluten-free tortellini (available in many specialty stores or online).
What Makes This Pasta Salad a Favorite?
It’s truly a combination of comfort, convenience, and bold flavor. The ingredients are easy to find year-round, and the prep takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s also forgiving, you can play with ratios, ingredients, and add-ins based on what you have on hand.
Unlike traditional pasta salads that sometimes rely on heavy mayonnaise or tangy vinaigrettes, this version strikes a perfect balance between creamy and fresh. The pesto brings herbaceous flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or a seasoned cook looking for a dependable dish this tortellini pasta salad is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Conclusion
Tortellini Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish, it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, cheesy comfort, and simple preparation. From backyard parties to weekday lunches, it meets the needs of every occasion with style and ease. With so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get bored, and your guests will always be impressed.
Make it once, and you’ll quickly realize why it’s become a go-to recipe for pasta lovers everywhere. Whether served in a casual bowl or as part of a fancy spread, this salad earns its spot at the table in every single time.