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Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Refresh Your Summer with Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

Enjoy a vibrant and delicious Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad, perfect for summer barbecues, packed with flavor and texture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Vinaigrette
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto store-bought saves time
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar can substitute with apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil essential for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste optional for heat
Salad
  • 12 ounces fresh tortellini cheese-filled; use fresh or frozen
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt for pasta water
  • 1/2 cup hard salami can swap for pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni adds a spicy kick
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini can substitute with banana peppers
  • 1/2 cup Italian olives mixed for varied flavors
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts omit for nut allergies
  • 2 cups baby arugula or spinach/mixed greens
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil final garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • small bowl or jar
  • Whisk

Method
 

Vinaigrette Preparation
  1. In a small bowl or jar, combine ½ cup of basil pesto, 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, ¼ cup of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste. Whisk or shake until well blended and creamy.
Cooking Tortellini
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of fresh tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes, until they float and are al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Assembling Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup thinly sliced red onion, ½ cup sliced pepperoncini, ½ cup assorted Italian olives, 1 cup mozzarella pearls, ½ cup diced salami, and ½ cup pepperoni. Sprinkle in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup toasted pine nuts. Mix gently.
Adding Arugula
  1. Carefully fold in 2 cups baby arugula, maintaining the freshness and crunch of the greens.
Dressing and Serving
  1. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 14gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For best results, chill all ingredients before mixing. Toss with vinaigrette just before serving to avoid wilting. Adjust vinaigrette ingredients to taste. Avoid overcooking tortellini.

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