Name: Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved; 1 cup mozzarella pearls; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bursting with color and Mediterranean flavor, this Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on a summer classic. It’s the perfect mix of cheese-filled tortellini, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a herby vinaigrette. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, feeding a crowd, or looking for a refreshing weeknight dinner, this salad is hearty enough to stand on its own and pretty enough to impress.

The magic of this salad is in its texture and taste—soft, cheesy pasta meets crunchy, fresh vegetables with a tangy zip from red wine vinegar and Italian seasoning. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and only gets better the longer it sits in the fridge. Ideal for meal prepping or last-minute potlucks, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your warm-weather rotation.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini is your best bet here. It cooks quickly and holds up beautifully in a cold salad without getting mushy. If you’re going for a punch of flavor, feel free to explore spinach or tri-color tortellini for added visual appeal and taste.

Ingredients for the Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Cheese Tortellini – The base of the salad; use refrigerated or fresh tortellini for the best texture.

Cherry Tomatoes – Adds a pop of sweetness and juiciness that pairs well with the cheese and vinaigrette.

Cucumber – Brings a refreshing crunch to every bite.

Red Onion – Offers a sharp bite that balances the richness of the tortellini.

Kalamata Olives – Briny and bold, these deepen the Mediterranean feel of the salad.

Mozzarella Pearls – Creamy little bites that complement the tortellini perfectly.

Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes – For that herbaceous kick and subtle heat.

Olive Oil & Red Wine Vinegar – The dynamic duo that ties everything together in a zesty dressing.

Salt & Pepper – Simple, but essential to bring out the best in every ingredient.

How To Make the Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3–5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the tortellini is cooling, chop the cherry tomatoes in halves, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Make sure everything is bite-sized for easy eating.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled tortellini, chopped veggies, mozzarella pearls, and kalamata olives. Pour the dressing over the top and toss well to coat every ingredient.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving. This lets all the flavors meld together. Just before serving, give it a quick toss and add a sprinkle of extra herbs or cheese if desired.

How to Serve and Store Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile and looks stunning on a summer buffet table or in individual mason jars for picnics. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh basil or extra mozzarella pearls if you’re feeling fancy. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or stands strong as a complete vegetarian meal on its own.

For storage, keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re making it ahead, consider reserving some of the dressing to stir in just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What protein can I add to this salad?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great protein-rich additions if you want to turn this into a fuller meal.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just be sure to cook it fully and let it cool before combining with the rest of the ingredients.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

After cooking, rinse the tortellini with cold water and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Not typically, but you can use gluten-free tortellini to make it so.

Can I swap out the vinaigrette?

Absolutely. A lemon-herb dressing or balsamic glaze can offer a different twist that still pairs well with the ingredients.

How long can it sit out?

No more than 2 hours at room temperature. If serving outdoors, consider placing the bowl over ice to keep it fresh.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad, here are more crowd-pleasing pasta dishes worth trying next:

Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a warm and hearty twist.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a comforting, protein-packed dinner.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli if you’re after a quick and cheesy weeknight fix.
Red Pepper Rigatoni for a bold and creamy flavor punch.
Creamy Tortellini Recipe when you crave something indulgent.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so it’s always handy when the craving hits: Life with Jam Pinterest

Tried it? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Did you add protein or switch up the veggies? I love seeing your creative takes, so don’t be shy about sharing!

Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of cheesy tortellini, crisp vegetables, and zesty vinaigrette. Ideal for meal prep, summer gatherings, or a quick lunch, it’s fresh, flavorful, and beautifully colorful. Serve it chilled for a refreshing bite any time of year.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions (about 3–5 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water. Let cool.