Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Cheese Tortellini Delight

Name: Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Cheese Tortellini Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz cheese tortellini; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, diced; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Oktober 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini! This dish has been a staple at every family gathering for as long as I can remember. The vibrant colors of the fresh vegetables paired with those plump, cheesy tortellini just scream “celebration!” Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors, with a zesty dressing that ties everything together perfectly. It’s so refreshing and light, yet satisfying enough to be the star of the meal. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to for potlucks, picnics, or any time you need a burst of Italian goodness on your plate. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients List

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious Italian pasta salad with cheese tortellini! Here’s what you’ll need:

12 oz cheese tortellini
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, so you can whip this up in no time! Happy cooking!

How to Prepare Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Cheese Tortellini

Ready to dive into making this delightful Italian pasta salad? It’s super simple and really fun! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying this vibrant dish in no time.

Cook the Cheese Tortellini

First things first, let’s cook those cheese tortellini! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and then add the tortellini. Follow the package instructions for cooking time—usually about 3-5 minutes. You want them tender but still a bit firm. Once they’re done, drain them in a colander and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool completely.

Combine the Vegetables

While the tortellini cools, grab a big mixing bowl and start chopping! Dice up those fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper. Slice the red onion and black olives. Toss in the chopped basil too! The colors are going to be so pretty. Mix everything together gently in the bowl—you want those fresh veggies to shine.

Add the Tortellini

Now it’s time for the star of the show! Once your tortellini has cooled, add them to the bowl with the veggies. Gently fold everything together so the tortellini get mixed in without breaking apart. It’s all about keeping that cheesy goodness intact!

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens! Make sure it’s well combined and tastes just right—feel free to adjust the seasoning if you like it a bit zippier!

Toss the Salad

Pour that delicious dressing over the salad and give everything a good toss. Make sure every piece of tortellini and every veggie is coated with that zesty goodness. It’s a joy to see all those colors come together!

Chill Before Serving

Okay, here’s the key step: cover your salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle and intensify. Trust me, you want that extra time for all those fresh tastes to blend together beautifully before serving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini is not just delicious, but it’s also packed with benefits that make it a must-try! Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for this dish:

Quick Preparation: You can whip this salad up in just about 15 minutes of active prep time. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something tasty, fast!
Fresh Ingredients: The combination of crunchy vegetables and soft tortellini creates an irresistible texture and flavor explosion that’s as vibrant as it is healthy.
Versatile: Feel free to customize it! Add your favorite veggies or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it your own.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after chilling, so it’s a great option for meal prep or gatherings—you can make it a day in advance!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or just a cozy dinner at home, this salad fits right in and will impress everyone at the table.
Vegetarian Delight: This dish is a delicious vegetarian option that’s hearty enough to satisfy anyone, making it a crowd-pleaser!

With all these perks, you’ll definitely want to add this recipe to your regular rotation. Enjoy the freshness and flavor in every bite!

Tips for Success

Want to elevate your Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini even further? I’ve got some fantastic tips to help you make it absolutely perfect every time!

Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to mix it up! If you’re not a fan of black olives, try green olives or even capers for a different flavor. You can also swap in any seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a fun twist.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs really bring this salad to life! If you don’t have basil on hand, parsley or arugula would work beautifully too. Just chop them up and toss them in!
Taste as You Go: After adding the dressing, give your salad a little taste test. If you want more zing, add a splash more vinegar or a sprinkle of lemon juice for brightness!
Serving Suggestions: Pair this salad with crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete meal. It also makes a fabulous side dish for grilled meats or fish.
Chilling Time: If you can, let the salad chill a bit longer than 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, creating a deliciously harmonious dish!
Protein Boost: For those looking to add some protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are fantastic additions. Just toss them in at the end!

With these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning Italian pasta salad that’s sure to impress everyone. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving (1 cup):

Calories: 300
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 10g

These values are estimates based on typical ingredient usage, so keep in mind that your exact numbers might vary slightly depending on the specific brands or ingredients you choose. But overall, you’re getting a deliciously satisfying salad that’s loaded with flavor and nutrition!

FAQ Section

Can I add proteins to this salad?

Absolutely! This Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini is super versatile, and adding proteins can make it even heartier. Grilled chicken is a fantastic option—just slice it up and toss it in for some extra flavor and satisfaction. Shrimp also works wonderfully, especially if you sauté them with a bit of garlic for that extra zing. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas are a great choice to boost protein levels while keeping it light and delicious. Feel free to get creative with your additions!

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers? No problem! You can store your Italian pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep it fresh. If you notice any excess liquid after a day or two, simply give it a good toss to mix everything back together. It’s best enjoyed cold, so just grab a serving straight from the fridge whenever you’re craving that refreshing taste!

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, yes, yes! This salad is perfect for making a day ahead. In fact, I highly recommend it! The flavors really get a chance to meld together beautifully when it sits overnight in the fridge. Just prepare the salad as usual, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick toss and enjoy! It’s a real time-saver for gatherings or busy weeknights!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got this delicious Italian pasta salad recipe with cheese tortellini ready to go, let’s talk about how to make it a complete meal! Pairing it with the right sides and drinks can elevate your dining experience to the next level. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:

Crusty Garlic Bread: There’s nothing quite like the combination of warm, buttery garlic bread with a fresh salad. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra dressing!
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Adding some grilled proteins is a fantastic way to turn this salad into a filling entrée. The smoky flavor complements the zesty dressing perfectly.
Caprese Skewers: For a light appetizer, serve up some caprese skewers with fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes. They’re colorful, delicious, and echo the flavors in your pasta salad!
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds a nice contrast to the freshness of the salad. Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus tossed with a bit of olive oil and herbs.
Chilled White Wine: A nice chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish. The crispness of the wine enhances the salad’s vibrant flavors!
Refreshing Lemonade or Iced Tea: If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a glass of homemade lemonade or iced tea can be incredibly refreshing alongside your meal.

With these delightful pairings, your Italian pasta salad will shine even brighter, creating a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious Italian pasta salad with cheese tortellini is super simple! Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container. This way, it’ll stay fresh and those vibrant flavors won’t escape. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for maximum freshness.

If you notice any liquid collecting at the bottom of the container after a day or so, just give it a gentle toss to mix everything back together. It’s perfectly normal, and it doesn’t affect the taste!

Now, as for reheating, you won’t actually need to heat this salad! It’s meant to be served cold, and I recommend enjoying it straight from the fridge. If you do want to serve it at room temperature, just let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to come alive again without losing that refreshing quality.

So there you have it! Keep it cool, and you’ll have a delightful salad ready to enjoy anytime you crave that burst of Italian flavor!

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Über mich

Hallo, ich bin Julia, das Herz hinter Vihaad Rezepte und eine leidenschaftliche Feinschmeckerin. Meine Liebe zum Kochen begann in meiner Kindheit, inspiriert von den herzhaften Mahlzeiten meiner Großmutter. Heute teile ich schmackhafte Rezepte, die Menschen durch gutes Essen zusammenbringen.