Tortellini Pasta Salad with Italian Salad Dressing
This Tortellini Pasta Salad with Italian Salad Dressing is a fantastic mix of tender cheese tortellini, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing that makes every bite a treat. Perfect for potlucks or a quick meal, this salad brings a cheerful vibe to any gathering without taking hours to prepare.
Last year, I brought this Tortellini Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing to a backyard potluck pool party with a bunch of friends. You know the kind—kids splashing around in the pool, someone manning the grill, and folding camp chairs scattered across the lawn. I had planned on bringing something simple, but I was short on time (and, let’s be honest, energy), so I threw this salad together with what I had in the fridge and my easy homemade Italian dressing.
This post contains some links to Amazon, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase from Amazon at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!
I wasn’t expecting it to steal the show, but people kept coming back for seconds. One friend actually pulled me aside to ask what kind of “fancy cheese” I used, and when I told her it was just cheese tortellini and mozzarella pearls, she looked at me like I’d just shared some big secret. That’s the moment I realized this salad is a total sleeper hit—low effort, high reward, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s been on regular rotation in my house ever since!
What makes this pasta salad healthy?
This Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe combines lean proteins, dairy, and a generous mix of vegetables that provide a range of vitamins and minerals. The Homemade Italian dressing, made with olive oil and red wine vinegar, adds a light, tangy finish without overloading the dish with calories. Homemade salad dressings are often considered better than store-bought because you have control over ingredients, ensuring fresher, healthier options with less added sugar, salt, and preservatives, while also allowing for customization to your taste preferences.
RELATED: This Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is loaded with your favorite pasta noodles, fresh tomatoes and mozzarella and tossed in the best tasty pesto! It’s such an easy dish and perfect for anytime of the year!
What ingredients do you need to make Tortellini Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing?
Ingredients For the salad
- 1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredients For the Homemade Italian Salad dressing Recipe
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Why you’ll love this colorful pasta recipe
You’ll enjoy the mix of textures and tastes that dance on your palate. The salad is as pleasing to the eye as it is to your taste buds, making it an ideal choice for sharing at social events or simply treating yourself to something fresh and fun.
Step-by-step instructions for making Tortellini Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, combine the tortellini with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.
- Pour 1/2 cup of my Italian dressing (or 1/2 a cup of a store bought Italian Salad Dressing) over the salad and give it a good toss to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- Season with black pepper. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Make this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad, then check out my Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad and more of my pasta salad recipe ideas.
Frequently asked questions about this hearty pasta salad recipe
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While cheese tortellini adds a unique twist, other pasta shapes can work well with this dressing.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this pasta salad holds up well in the refrigerator and the flavors continue to develop over time.
Can I adjust the vegetables?
Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or whatever is in season for a personalized touch.
How do I store leftovers of this Tortellini Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. The salad is best enjoyed within three days. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
This recipe is a tasty, healthy and fun make ahead pasta side salad that’s perfect for adding a burst of color to your plate and a smile to your face. Enjoy your creation at your next gathering or as a refreshing treat during a busy day!
🌷 CELEBRATE SPRING with
20+ Easy Spring Salad Recipes
Spring has sprung, and do you know what that means? It’s time to lighten things up with these spring salad ideas that your whole family will love!
Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the Tortellini Pasta Salad
- 1 20-ounce package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- ½ cup black olives (sliced)
- ½ cup red bell pepper (diced)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella)
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- ½ cup Italian dressing
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella, and basil.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with black pepper, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Disclosure
Recipes and photos are for your personal enjoyment only — please share the love by linking, not copying!Other Pasta Salad recipes to try
- Out of all the pasta salads to have in your recipe box, Greek Pasta Salad is one of the best to wow a crowd! Cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onion and feta cheese are mixed with pasta and drizzled with a homemade Greek salad dressing to create this colorful and appetizing pasta salad!
- This quick and easy Feta Bruschetta Pasta Salad packs bold flavours to pair perfectly with your summer grilling feasts and is sure to be a big hit at your next BBQ or cookout.
- Indulge in the ultimate summer delight with my Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad Recipe and let the flavors transport you to a sunny beachside retreat. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying meal or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
- This Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad is so simple to make and has only 8 ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store!
