Vibrant and full of flavor, Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad recipes are always a winner at a summer BBQ but they’re also amazing for meal prep, too. This easy cold pasta salad recipe is chock-full of fresh ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes, bright basil, crunchy bell peppers, and parmesan cheese, all mingling together in an irresistible homemade Italian dressing in this satisfying yet simple salad.

This salad is always a crowd-pleaser but if you’re looking for other equally easy salads take a peek at my simple Italian salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, or feta, peach, and prosciutto salad.

a wooden spoon in a bowl of colorful pasta salad

What We Love About Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipes

  • Quick and easy. This pasta salad comes together in nearly no time! 
  • Comfort food at its finest. If creamy, salty cheese and hearty pasta are part of your love language, this salad is definitely for you. 
  • Perfect pairings. The bright tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and crisp bell peppers are the perfect complement to the tender cheese-stuffed pasta.
  • Crowd pleaser. Always a hit at any gathering.
cheese tortellini salad ingredients on a counter

Chef’s Tips

  • Use any kind of vinegar you like from red wine vinegar or champagne vinegar to rose vinegar. You can even use balsamic for a different flavor profile.
  • Be sure to chop the vegetables so that they are similar in size.
tortellini salad on a stack of white plates

Can tortellini be eaten cold? 

Yes, tortellini can absolutely be eaten cold or at room temperature, it’s often used in cold pasta salads like this one.

How long should I chill Tortellini pasta salad before serving?

Chilling the Tortellini pasta salad in the refrigerator before serving is not required but 1-2 hours helps the flavors meld together and the pasta cool down fully.

Fresh pasta isn’t ideal for pasta salad because it’s more delicate and can get weighed down by the other ingredients and dressing. Fresh is perfect for hot dishes!

a spoonful of colorful cheese tortellini pasta salad
    pasta salad in a white bowl
    cheese tortellini pasta salad with fresh veggies in a bowl

    Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad

    Yield: 6 servings
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 3 minutes
    Optional Chill Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 43 minutes

    Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad is always a winner at a summer BBQ This easy cold pasta salad recipe is chock-full of fresh ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes, bright basil, crunchy bell peppers, and parmesan cheese, and more all mingling together in an irresistible homemade Italian dressing in this satisfying yet simple salad.

    Ingredients

    • 19 ounces frozen cheese tortellini pasta
    • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
    • 1 cup quartered artichoke hearts
    • 1 cup chopped cucumber
    • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
    • ½ cup chopped red onion
    • ½ cup sliced black olives
    • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
    • 3 tablespoons julienned basil
    • ½ cup red wine
    • ¼ cup avocado oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the frozen tortellini. Boil for only 3 minutes. 
    2. Immediately remove pot from heat. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water until completely cool. Set aside to drain.
    3. For the dressing: Add all the dressing ingredients to a bowl or jar. Whisk or shake in jar until combined. 
    4. To a large bowl add the salad ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss until combined.
    5. Taste to see if you want to add more vinegar or salt. If you add more of either just add a little at a time.
    6. You can serve immediately, but I recommend covering and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (1-2 hours is ideal) to chill and allow flavors to mingle. 
    7. Top with basil. Serve and enjoy.

    Notes

  • Use any kind of vinegar you like from red wine vinegar or champagne vinegar to rose vinegar. You can even use balsamic for a different flavor profile.
  • Be sure to chop the vegetables so that they are similar in size.
  • Feel free to add cooked chicken, chopped pepperoni, any Italian meat, or ham.
  • See blog post for tips and a long list of additions and substitues.

    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 481Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 683mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 17g

    Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin, and freshness of ingredients used and are just estimates. We encourage, especially if these numbers are important to you, to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.

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