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5.0 from 18 votes

Tortellini Pasta Salad

This Tortellini Pasta Salad has cheese-filled tortellini with homemade balsamic dressing and Italian favorites like salami, mozzarella, spinach, bell peppers, olives, and more!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Chill Time
2 hrs
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 10 people
Calories: 551 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

Salad
  • 20 oz. tortellini frozen or refrigerated. See notes.
  • 8 oz. Mozzarella pearls about 1 ½ cups
  • 7 oz. sundried tomatoes drained, chopped, & patted dry.
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 2 cups Diced bell pepper I use red and green
  • 1 cup chopped salami can sub pepperoni
  • ½ cup finely diced red onion
  • ¾ cup kalamata olives
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Balsamic Dressing- or up to 1 ¼ cups bottled dressing of choice
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine the dressing ingredients in a mini food processor or in a jar with a lid. Blend/shake well to combine and emulsify. Cover and refrigerate.
  2. Boil tortellini according to package instructions, do not overcook. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  3. Add ½ cup dressing to the warm tortellini and use a silicone spatula to gently toss to combine. Let cool for 10 minutes, then add the remaining salad ingredients along with up to ½ cup more dressing. Gently toss to combine.
  4. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours. If desired, drizzle with remaining dressing prior to serving. (See notes if making 1 day ahead.)

Notes

  • Pro Tips
  • Make Ahead Method
  • Storage
  • The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving. There are 10 servings in this recipe.
  • Be sure to use a timer when you boil your pasta to ensure that you don’t overcook it. I like to cook it for 30 seconds less than al dente, as it cools gradually, during which time it finishes cooking. 
  • Tortellini: I use Rana refrigerated Tortellini with this recipe. There are several varieties which pair well here, including cheese-filled, spinach and cheese, and chicken mozzarella.
  • Dressing: My homemade balsamic dressing is just perfect in this salad, the flavors blend really well. Italian dressing can be used instead if preferred, or a store-bought version of your choice. 
  • There is 1 + 1/4 cups dressing in this recipe, which seems like a lot, but the tortellini absorbs a surprising amount, especially as it continues to sit. Add it in increments until desired consistency is obtained.
  • Veggies: I place the diced veggies on paper towels to remove excess moisture. (To avoid a watery salad.)
  • Tomatoes: Sun dried tomatoes are used to complement the Tuscan theme in this recipe, but sliced cherry tomatoes may also be used.
  • Pepperoni makes a  great addition to this salad as well! 
  • Be sure to try my Greek Pasta Salad, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, and my other Pasta Salad Recipes!
  • 📘 Find this recipe on page 67 of my 2nd cookbook, Let’s Eat!
  • Cook the tortellini and toss with 1/2 cup dressing.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes, then combine with remaining ingredients. Toss with 1/4 cup more dressing. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 day ahead of time.
  • When ready to serve, toss with remaining dressing. 
  • Note: If your remaining dressing solidifies during storage: Let it sit at room temperature until it liquifies, then shake to combine and serve. 
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information

Calories 551kcal (28%) Carbohydrates 47g (16%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 33g (51%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 17g Cholesterol 51mg (17%) Sodium 1066mg (44%) Potassium 877mg (25%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 17g (34%) Vitamin A 1885IU (38%) Vitamin C 48mg (53%) Calcium 260mg (26%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 551

% Daily Value*

Calories 551kcal 28%
Carbohydrates 47g 16%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 33g 51%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 17g 85%
Cholesterol 51mg 17%
Sodium 1066mg 44%
Potassium 877mg 19%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 17g 34%
Vitamin A 1885IU 38%
Vitamin C 48mg 53%
Calcium 260mg 26%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.