In every fiesta we host, guests come and always look for and ask for the dish that disappears first. The one guests keep going back for seconds (and thirds). That’s this Tortellini Salad Recipe. It’s colorful, refreshing, and full of flavor in every bite. Imagine chewy and soft, cheese-filled tortellini filled with juicy grape tomatoes, tangy artichoke hearts, and a bright, zesty dressing.
This dish is a complete package that makes us feel like summer season has arrived, but it works all year long. From backyard barbecues to cozy indoor dinners, it is a full meal.
What makes it even better? It’s quick to make, easy to chill ahead, and always looks impressive on the table. You’ll find everything here: ingredients, steps, nutrition, and some smart kitchen tips, to make one of the best tortellini salad recipes you’ll ever try.
Why Everyone Loves This Tortellini Salad Recipe
This isn’t your average pasta salad. The mix of spinach and three-cheese tortellini gives every forkful a soft, chewy bite with layers of flavor. Fresh veggies bring color and crunch, while the dressing adds a tangy finish.
Unlike many tortellini salad recipes, this one stays bright and lively, even after a few hours in the fridge. It’s light enough for lunch yet hearty enough for dinner. And because it’s served cold, it travels perfectly, whether to a picnic, potluck, or next-day lunch box.
Recipe Snapshot at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 mins.
Cook Time: 10 mins.
Servings: 6
Tip: Bookmark or print this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (8 oz) package dried spinach tortellini.
- 1 (8 oz) package dried three-cheese tortellini.
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved.
- 1 (6 oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped.
- 1 (6 oz) can of sliced black/ green olives, drained.
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced.
- ¼ cup grated carrots.
- 1½ cups oil and vinegar dressing.
Quick Tips
- Swap the dressing for Italian vinaigrette for a zesty twist.
- If loved, then add some mozzarella pearls or sliced salami for protein-rich food.
- For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based dressing.
Step-by-Step Directions for the Perfect Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add both spinach and cheese tortellini. Cook for 10–11 minutes, stirring now and then, until they float to the top and turn tender but firm. Drain well and let cool completely.
Step 2: Mix the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked tortellini, grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, onion, and carrots. Pour in the dressing and mix until everything glistens.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours (or overnight). This step is key, it lets the flavors mingle beautifully.
Pro Tip: Just before serving, drizzle with a touch of olive oil or sprinkle fresh basil for a burst of aroma and shine.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 305 | — |
| Total Fat | 10g | 13% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 14% |
| Cholesterol | 64mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 1477mg | 64% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g | 14% |
| Total Sugars | 18g | — |
| Protein | 10g | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 127mg | 10% |
| Iron | 3mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 190mg | 4% |
Based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual values may vary depending on the brands used.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Tortellini Salad Recipes
- Use two types of tortellini: Spinach and cheese, to add balance and color.
- Don’t skip the chill: Cooling lets the pasta soak up all the dressing’s tangy flavor.
- Add the dressing wisely: Start with less; add more if needed to avoid sogginess.
- Play with flavors: Toss in roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pesto swirl.
What sets the best tortellini salad recipes apart is how the ingredients work together, each bite feels bright, savory, and perfectly satisfying.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Serving Ideas
- Make-Ahead: You can prep it a day before serving, the flavor actually gets better.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge.
- Serving Idea: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or crusty garlic bread.
This Tortellini Salad Recipe isn’t just for parties — it’s perfect for picnics, family lunches, or a quick dinner on busy nights.
Variations You’ll Love
Mediterranean Tortellini Salad
Add feta, cucumber, and roasted red peppers for a sunny, Greek-style twist.
Creamy Ranch Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Swap the dressing for ranch, toss in bacon bits and peas, rich and kid-approved!
Pesto Tortellini Salad
Coat tortellini in basil pesto and sprinkle with pine nuts for a nutty, aromatic flavor.
Spicy Italian Version
Mix in banana peppers, spicy salami, and red chili flakes for a bold kick.
Wrap-Up: A Recipe That Always Impresses
There’s a reason this Tortellini Salad Recipe steals the spotlight every time. It’s easy, colorful, and full of flavor. With its tender pasta, crisp veggies, and zingy dressing, it’s the kind of dish that feels comforting and fresh at once.
So next time you’re planning a gathering, skip the store-bought salads, make this one instead. Your guests will love it, and you’ll love how simple it is.
Loved this Tortellini Salad Recipe? We’ve got plenty more where that came from! Explore more salad recipes, simple pasta dishes, and crowd-pleasing sides on Infor vias. Follow our blog for daily recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, one bowl, one bite, and one memory at a time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of dried?
Yes! Just shorten the cooking time to about 5–7 minutes.
How long can I store this salad in the fridge?
It stays tasty for up to three days when sealed tightly.
What dressing works best for this recipe?
Oil and vinegar dressing keeps it light, but creamy Caesar or ranch works too.
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