Italian Pasta Salad

This Italian Pasta Salad brings together bold Mediterranean flavors and hearty ingredients in one irresistible dish. With tender cheese tortellini, crispy veggies, savory salami, and a homemade zesty vinaigrette, every bite is an explosion of textures and tastes that scream summer perfection. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a potluck, or prepping for a week’s worth of satisfying lunches, this recipe is a must-have. It’s quick to assemble, easy to customize, and best of all delicious served cold or at room temperature. Make it once and it’ll become a staple in your warm-weather meal rotation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 20 oz cheese tortellini, refrigerated

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, sliced and halved

• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped

• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

• 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced

• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

• 1 cup salami, chopped

• 1 cup mozzarella pearls

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, salami, mozzarella pearls, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 465 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Zesty Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad: A Mediterranean-Inspired Summer Staple

Few dishes manage to strike the perfect balance between hearty and refreshing quite like pasta salad. Among the many variations out there, this Zesty Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad stands out for its bold Mediterranean flavors, convenience, and stunning presentation. It’s not just a side dish it can be a light lunch, a potluck favorite, or even a complete meal depending on how it’s served.

This pasta salad has everything going for it: tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, savory salami, crunchy fresh vegetables, marinated artichokes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a zingy red wine vinaigrette. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors that come together effortlessly and keep well in the fridge making it ideal for meal prepping and entertaining alike.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes this pasta salad so irresistible and why it deserves a place in your regular rotation.

Why Tortellini?

Unlike traditional pasta salad that typically uses rotini or penne, this recipe uses cheese-filled tortellini for an added dimension of flavor and richness. Tortellini brings a soft, chewy texture with a creamy, cheesy center that pairs beautifully with the crisp, raw vegetables and tangy dressing.

Tortellini also holds up well over time, especially when dressed properly. This means your pasta salad won’t get mushy even after sitting in the fridge for a day or two, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches, picnics, or parties.

A Medley of Fresh and Tangy Ingredients

What makes this Italian pasta salad shine is its vibrant mix of fresh and pickled ingredients. The medley of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, roasted red peppers, and pepperoncini creates a symphony of taste and crunch that plays off the creamy tortellini and mild mozzarella pearls.

Marinated artichoke hearts and olives bring a briny depth that keeps each bite interesting, while grated Parmesan and fresh basil tie everything together with a touch of richness and aroma. And let’s not forget the salami it brings a satisfying, protein-rich bite that makes this salad feel complete and satisfying, whether you’re eating it solo or alongside other dishes.

Homemade Dressing: The Secret Sauce

The heart of any good pasta salad is the dressing, and this one does not disappoint. This homemade Italian vinaigrette is a blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and honey seasoned with oregano, salt, and pepper. It’s bright, tangy, and just the right amount of zesty.

Unlike creamy dressings that can weigh down a salad, this vinaigrette adds flavor while letting the freshness of the ingredients shine. The mustard and honey help emulsify the dressing and create a smooth texture that clings beautifully to every piece of tortellini and veggie.

Making the dressing from scratch also means you get to control the flavors, reduce preservatives, and adjust to your taste preferences whether you like it more garlicky, sweeter, or spicier.

Meal Prep Magic: Make It Ahead and Let It Marinate

One of the best things about this salad is that it gets better with time. As it sits in the fridge, the flavors mingle and deepen, transforming it into an even tastier version of itself. You’ll find that the vinaigrette soaks into the pasta and vegetables, making every bite more flavorful the next day.

For meal prep enthusiasts, this dish is a dream. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s also easy to pack for lunch, making it a great grab-and-go option for busy weekdays. Just remember to give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Customization Ideas: Make It Yours

This recipe is endlessly customizable. Whether you’re working with what’s in your pantry or catering to dietary preferences, it’s easy to tweak:

• Vegetarian? Skip the salami and add chickpeas or grilled zucchini for a protein boost.

• Vegan? Use a plant-based tortellini and swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for dairy-free alternatives.

• Gluten-Free? Choose gluten-free tortellini and double-check ingredient labels.

• Love spice? Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

• Add greens: Toss in a handful of arugula or baby spinach for a fresh twist.

You can even change up the dressing try a pesto vinaigrette or a balsamic-based version for a different flavor profile.

Perfect for Every Occasion

From casual weeknight dinners to upscale garden parties, this Italian pasta salad fits any occasion. It’s colorful enough to impress guests and simple enough to whip up on a whim.

Here are just a few ways to serve it:

• As a main dish for a light lunch or dinner

• Alongside grilled meats at a barbecue

• As part of a buffet spread or potluck

• Packed in a container for picnic lunches

• Included in holiday spreads with antipasto platters

Because it holds up so well, it’s also perfect for travel you can prepare it in advance and bring it to gatherings without any last-minute fuss.

Nutritional Value

This pasta salad strikes a nice balance between indulgence and health. Thanks to the variety of vegetables and olive oil-based dressing, it provides fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. The tortellini and salami add substance, while the cheese delivers calcium and flavor.

With a caloric value of approximately 465 kcal per serving, it’s a satisfying yet mindful dish. Of course, portion size and add-ins can affect the numbers, but in general, this dish offers a well-rounded nutritional profile that will keep you full and energized.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re craving something flavorful and filling, prepping meals ahead of time, or looking to wow guests at your next gathering, this Zesty Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is a winner. It combines the comfort of pasta with the brightness of Mediterranean flavors, all tied together with a punchy homemade dressing.

The best part? It’s flexible, forgiving, and fun to make. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked and you’ll probably find yourself coming back to it again and again, experimenting with new add-ins and dressings as the seasons change.