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Homemade Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad photo

Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

This Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is vibrant, cheesy, and loaded with fresh veggies and savory salami—a perfect quick and flavorful crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounce refrigerated spinach and cheese tortellini
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes chopped in half
  • 1 large cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup olives sliced, kalamata or green olives
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese balls bocconcini
  • 1/2 cup Italian salami cubed, halal-certified or turkey salami substitute
  • 1 cup Italian salad dressing store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the refrigerated spinach and cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—typically about 3 to 5 minutes until they float to the top and are tender.
  2. Drain the tortellini using a colander and rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down for the salad.
  3. While your tortellini cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into small cubes, and slice the olives. Cube the Italian salami and drain the mozzarella cheese balls.
  4. In your large mixing bowl, add the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, mozzarella, and salami. Toss everything gently to mix the colors and ingredients evenly.
  5. Pour in the Italian salad dressing and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder over the salad. Using a spoon or spatula, toss everything gently but thoroughly until the dressing and spices coat every ingredient beautifully.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Give the salad a gentle toss one more time and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use low-fat mozzarella and lean turkey salami for a lighter version.
  • Do not overcook tortellini to avoid mushy texture.
  • Rinse cooked tortellini with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Start with less dressing and add more to taste to avoid sogginess.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir in extra dressing if salad dries out.