Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad - Healthy Fitness Meals

Name: Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pounds cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated); 4 ounces jarred artichoke hearts (drained & chopped); 3 ounces olives (Kalamata or mixed, halved); 3 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, sliced); 6 ounces mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini, halved); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 2 garden cucumbers (diced); 1 small red onion (very thinly sliced); 1/4 cup fresh basil (torn); 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 garlic clove (finely grated); 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon fine kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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This tortellini pasta salad is fresh, flavorful, and really easy to put together. It’s made with cheese-filled tortellini, simple veggies, and an easy homemade dressing that brings everything together. Perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or summer gatherings.

Tortellini pasta salad with veggies and mozzarella balls in a bowl.

I love making this salad all year long and especially in the summertime when I have any family coming over. The tortellini makes it a little more satisfying than a regular pasta salad, and it holds up really well in the fridge. I usually make a big batch so I have some leftovers that I keep on hand for a couple of days.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Beginner

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Ingredients Needed

below is a list of the ingredients you will need for this Tortellini pasta salad. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.

For the Salad:

1 lb cheese tortellini: you can use fresh or refrigerated kind.
Jarred artichoke hearts, drained & chopped
Olives: any olives you have on hand will work like Kalamata or mixed.
3 oz sun-dried tomatoes: I like using oil-packed here instead of the dried ones in packets.
6 oz mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini): You can use the tiny pearls version as well.
Veggies: cherry tomatoes, garden cucumbers, red onion, and fresh basil

For the Garlic-Basil Vinaigrette: olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic clove, Dijon mustard, honey or agave, dried basil (oregano or Italian seasoning also fine), salt, and black pepper.

Quick tips before you start

Cook the tortellini just until tender so it doesn’t get too soft otherwise it will be mushy and messy.
Rinse the pasta after it is cooked with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. You do not want warm pasta mixed in with the veggies.
I like to pour the dressing with the tortellini first to prevent it from sticking.
Let the salad sit for a bit before serving so the flavors come together.
Add fresh herbs like the fresh basil right before serving for the best flavor

How to make Tortellini Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Place in a large salad bowl to cool.

Make the dressing: whisk all the dressing ingredients in a container or jar. Pour over the cooked pasta and toss to combine; this will help prevent it from sticking.

process shot to add dressing over the tortellini pasta and then chopping the veggies.

Prepare: Chop all the salad ingredients and vegetables and add them to the bowl with the pasta. Then add in the mozzarella pearls.

Assemble and serve: Toss gently to combine. Let it sit 10 to 15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld.

process shot to prepare the tortellini pasta in a bowl.

Make it your own

Swap the ingredient: Use what you have on hand. You can switch up the veggies with things like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or roasted peppers. For cheese, try mozzarella pearls, feta, or parmesan. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas all work well.
Try a simple dressing: If you have a dressing that you love or a family recipe that you prefer to use, go ahead and use it.
What to serve it with: This works great as a side for grilled lemon garlic chicken, burgers like this flying dutchman burger, or sandwiches like chicken cutlet sandwich. You can also serve it on its own for a simple lunch.

Common Questions

How long does it last?

This salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for making ahead. Store it in a container in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving.

Can I add protein to it?

Yes you sure can. You can add some grilled chicken, salami, or things like beans or chickpeas.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, just cook it according to the package instructions.

Can I use STORE BOUGHT dressing?

Yes. Even though homemade dressings are way better, you can also use your favorite store-bought dressing. A simple vinaigrette or Italian-style dressing works great here.

tortellini pasta salad in a bowl with veggies and mozzarella pearls.

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Thank you so much for being here and for cooking along with me. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment and rating below.