Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

No ratings yet

Jul 02, 2026

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.

This Tortellini Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for any potluck or summer gathering! It has tons of flavor, is loaded with delicious ingredients, and takes just a short time to whip up. No matter when you make it, this tortellini salad is going to be a huge hit!

A glass bowl filled with pasta salad containing tortellini, diced salami, mozzarella balls, chopped red peppers, red onions, pepperoncini, and fresh basil, placed on a striped cloth on a wooden board.

This Easy Pasta Salad is a family-favorite recipe! ⭐

A woman with long, wavy blonde hair and a bright smile stands in a kitchen. She is wearing a yellow floral dress with puffed sleeves and white buttons. The background shows white subway tiles and cabinets.

I LOVE a good Italian recipe, and this cheese tortellini pasta is an absolute winner! This is one of the BEST pasta salad recipes I’ve ever had!

Did I mention it’s SO easy to make too?! It’s one of those quick and easy recipes you can just put together without all the fuss!

If I was writing my cookbook all over again, this tortellini pasta salad recipe would 100% make the cut! I am telling you, it’s that good!

Where the magic really happens in this recipe is giving the ingredients some time to marinate all together in the fridge before eating. That’s what really brings out that epic flavor!

And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’re in for a real treat! This is one of those side dishes that actually tastes better the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad

There’s just something about eating soft cheese tortellini. It’s tender and flavorful…and then pairing it with artichokes and salami adds an amazing pop of flavor.

You can also easily customize this dish by adding any diced fresh veggies that you want. I’m all about red onion, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, but play with it some and add what you like instead. This could be even more red bell pepper, fresh spinach, or anything else!

And if you’re a fan of pasta recipes, be sure to try my Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and this American Flag Caprese Board too!

A bowl of uncooked tortellini surrounded by bowls of chopped red bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, salami, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh herbs on a striped cloth and wooden board.

Italian Tortellini Salad Ingredients

Get ready to be amazed at how simple it is to put together this cold pasta salad! And if you don’t already have a veggie chopper, this one is AMAZING! It has 127K reviews for a reason!

Cheese tortellini pasta – I buy this at the grocery store to save time.

Girard’s Olde Venice Italian Vinaigrette Dressing – This is the best Italian dressing! (but you could make your own homemade Italian dressing if you really want!)

Bell pepper – Be sure to dice it up into bite-sized pieces.

Red onion – Chop it up into the same size as the peppers.

Salami – Cube it!

Fresh basil – Chop and add!

Pepperoncini – I chop these up as well.

Mozzarella pearls or balls – Either works perfectly fine.

Cherry tomatoes – Cut in half before adding.

Persian or English cucumber – Chop into pieces.

Parmesan – Used for garnish and serving.

A bowl of colorful chopped vegetables including red onion, red bell pepper, artichoke hearts, mozzarella balls, and fresh herbs arranged on a wooden board.

How To Make This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

1. Cook the pasta

Add the tortellini to a large pot of salted water and cook according to the package directions. Let the pasta cool a bit.

2. Combine

In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients and fold together.

3. Serve and Enjoy

Add the parmesan cheese and fresh basil as garnish.

A hand stirs a bowl of pasta salad with tortellini, diced salami, mozzarella balls, red bell peppers, cucumbers, and artichoke hearts using a wooden spoon. The bowl sits on a wooden surface.

Tips for the Best Tortellini Pasta Salad

🩷You can easily add different or more protein to this simple pasta salad! Shrimp and chicken are delicious variations.

🩷Feel free to add any other fresh herbs that you want. I’m all about a drizzle of olive oil with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

🩷You can also add some white beans, chickpeas, or even some sliced olives for fun flavors.

Storing your Italian Pasta Salad

Once the pasta has been combined, store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Before you serve, give it a little stir to make sure it’s all coated.

More Summer Recipes

Watch me Make this Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

Order Now!

Get my new cookbook!

A smiling person in a kitchen wears a pink apron, preparing food. The image promotes a cookbook titled Celebrating Every Day, featuring easy, joyful recipes. Text encourages ordering the book. Colorful kitchen setting with various ingredients on the counter.

100 Super-Easy Recipes for Holidays and Every Day! Make Memories and Start Traditions the Easy Way!

Order Now

About Melissa Johnson

My bakery experience taught me the secrets to simple baking. Now, I share easy-to-follow recipes and party ideas through Best Friends For Frosting® and my cookbook, Celebrating Everyday, simplifying everyday cooking and holiday celebrations.