When the sun is shining and the days are long, I find myself constantly reaching for pasta salad recipes. They are the epitome of simple sophistication, making entertaining a breeze. Today, I’m thrilled to share this perfect summer pasta salad, created in partnership with American Dairy Association Mideast.

This Easy Italian Tortellini Salad is a truly hearty dish that artfully combines savory cheese tortellini with sweet roasted red peppers, spicy pepperoni, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp green and red onions, generous cubes of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a burst of fresh herbs, all unified by a tangy Italian-style dressing. It’s more than just a side; it’s a culinary experience that satisfies and delights.

One of the many reasons I love bringing this Italian Tortellini Salad to any summer gathering is its ability to effortlessly feed a crowd. This isn’t just a simple side dish; it’s robust enough to serve as a satisfying main course on its own, especially for a lighter meal. Packed with wholesome dairy ingredients, this salad delivers a good dose of protein and calcium, ensuring your guests leave feeling full, energized, and utterly content.

Beyond its crowd-pleasing qualities, what truly makes this tortellini pasta salad remarkable is its incredible versatility. It’s wonderfully customizable, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your personal tastes or simply utilize whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. I often find myself experimenting with additions like briny green olives, sweet red bell pepper, tender artichoke hearts, or even a kick of pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

If you’re eager to explore more delightful cold salad recipes to add to your rotation, I highly recommend trying some of my other favorites, such as this Classic Italian Pasta Salad, the refreshing Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad, the vibrant Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, or this light and lively Summer Orzo Pasta Salad. Each offers a unique flavor profile perfect for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Your Tortellini Salad

Crafting the perfect Italian Tortellini Salad starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component plays a vital role in creating this delicious dish:

• Tortellini: I typically opt for fresh, refrigerated tortellini, which cooks in a mere 5 minutes, making preparation incredibly fast. While cheese tortellini is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled varieties for a different flavor profile. Frozen or dried tortellini also work wonderfully; just ensure you follow the package directions for cooking times.
• Pepperoni: The small, zesty slices of pepperoni add a fantastic savory, slightly spicy kick and a chewy texture that complements the tender pasta beautifully. If pepperoni isn’t your preference, consider swapping it for cubed salami or prosciutto. For a vegetarian version of this Italian pasta salad, simply omit the meat entirely.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These bite-sized tomatoes burst with sweet, fresh flavor and vibrant color. I like to halve or quarter them to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the salad. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, any ripe tomato, chopped into small pieces, will do the trick.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred roasted red peppers bring a smoky sweetness and a tender texture that enhances the overall depth of flavor. If you prefer a crisper texture or a brighter taste, you can substitute them with fresh red bell pepper, finely diced.
• Red Onion: A small amount of finely diced red onion adds a sharp, pungent bite that balances the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the peppers. If you find red onion too strong, a milder sweet onion or even some finely chopped shallots can be used.
• Fresh Herbs: This is where the salad truly comes alive! Fresh herbs elevate the flavors from good to exceptional. I always strive to include fresh basil, parsley, and oregano for their aromatic qualities. If you have fresh thyme on hand, a sprig or two can also be a delightful addition.
• Green Onion: Utilizing both the white and green parts of green onions (scallions) provides a milder onion flavor and a touch of freshness and color to the salad.
• Cheese Medley: A combination of cheeses is key to a rich, satisfying salad. I used cubed mozzarella for its creamy texture, sharp cheddar for a tangy bite, and grated Parmesan cheese for its salty, umami notes. Feel free to mix and match with other cheeses like provolone, feta, or a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
• Dressing: While a high-quality store-bought Italian dressing can save time, a homemade version truly makes a difference. My recipe calls for a simple yet flavorful Italian-style dressing made with good quality olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, fresh minced garlic, and a blend of classic Italian spices. The homemade dressing allows you to control the freshness and exact flavor profile.

For precise ingredient measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.

How to Prepare This Delicious Italian Tortellini Salad

Making this Italian Tortellini Salad is incredibly straightforward, perfect even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome every time:

• Step 1: Prepare the Dressing: If you’re opting for a homemade Italian dressing (which I highly recommend for maximum flavor!), begin by combining all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until everything is well combined and emulsified. You can prepare this several hours, or even a day, in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re using a store-bought dressing, simply have it ready to go.
• Step 2: Cook the Tortellini to Perfection: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen tortellini and cook according to the package directions, aiming for an al dente texture – firm to the bite. This usually takes only about 5 minutes for fresh tortellini. As soon as it’s cooked, drain the tortellini thoroughly and immediately rinse it under cool running water. This crucial step stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and sticking together. Drain well again.
• Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients: Transfer the cooled, drained tortellini to a large mixing bowl. Add all the remaining salad components: the chopped pepperoni, sliced cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, diced red onion, fresh basil, fresh parsley, green onions, and the cubed mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses, along with the shredded Parmesan. Gently mix all these vibrant ingredients together until evenly distributed.
• Step 4: Dress and Serve: Pour about half of your prepared Italian dressing over the tortellini mixture. Gently toss everything until the ingredients are lightly coated. Taste a small portion of the salad to assess the seasoning and dressing level. Add more dressing to your preference, or save the remaining dressing to add just before serving. This ensures the salad remains fresh and the flavors are bright. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal flavor and freshness.

Delicious Variations to Make This Tortellini Salad Your Own

The beauty of this tortellini salad recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t hesitate to get creative and customize it with your favorite ingredients!

• Beans: For an added boost of fiber and plant-based protein, incorporate canned and rinsed chickpeas, cannellini (white) beans, or even black beans. They add a wonderful texture and make the salad even more substantial.
• Cheese: While our recipe uses a delightful cheese trio, the options are endless! Try small mozzarella pearls (bocconcini), crumbled feta cheese for a salty tang, or Monterey Jack cheese for a milder, creamier alternative. Provolone or fontina would also be excellent.
• Vegetables: Load up on extra veggies for more crunch, color, and nutrients. Consider adding marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped), sliced black or Kalamata olives, briny capers, spicy pepperoncinis or banana peppers, or even fresh sweet corn kernels during corn season. Diced cucumber, zucchini, or bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) would also be fantastic.
• Protein: To transform this side dish into a complete meal, boost the protein content. In addition to pepperoni, you could add cubed salami, grilled chicken (shredded or diced), cooked shrimp, or even flaky tuna.
• Spices: Enhance the flavor profile of your dressing or salad with additional spices. A pinch of Italian seasoning, a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, extra dried oregano, a sprinkle of paprika, or even a touch of za’atar can introduce new and exciting notes.

Top Tips for a Perfect Tortellini Pasta Salad

Achieving a truly outstanding tortellini pasta salad is simple when you keep a few key tips in mind:

• Shake Your Dressing: If you’re using a homemade dressing, remember that the oil and vinegar will naturally separate over time. Always give your dressing a good shake or whisk right before pouring it over the salad to ensure all ingredients are well emulsified and evenly distributed.
• Avoid Overcooking the Tortellini: This is crucial for any pasta salad! Cook the tortellini only until it’s al dente – firm to the bite. Overcooked tortellini can become soft, mushy, and may even fall apart when mixed, resulting in a less appealing texture. Follow package directions precisely, and err on the side of slightly undercooking if you’re unsure.
• Rinse and Chill Promptly: As soon as the tortellini is cooked, drain it and rinse immediately with cold water. This step is vital to stop the cooking process and quickly cool the pasta, preventing it from clumping and becoming sticky. Once rinsed, drain it very well.
• Allow Flavors to Marry: While you can serve this salad immediately, it truly shines after resting in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the dressing to fully infuse into the pasta and other ingredients, deepening the flavors.
• Re-dress Before Serving: Pasta salads tend to absorb dressing as they sit. If you’ve made the salad ahead of time, it’s a good idea to hold back a portion of the dressing and toss it in just before serving. This will refresh the salad and ensure it’s moist and flavorful. You might even want to drizzle with a little extra olive oil if it looks dry.
• Embrace Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are fine for the dressing, using fresh herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, and even thyme, chopped and mixed into the salad, brings an unparalleled brightness and aromatic complexity that truly takes this dish to the next level. Don’t skip them if you can help it!

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