Name: Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 20 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated; 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1 cup mozzarella pearls; ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup kalamata olives, halved; ½ cup Italian dressing; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp cracked black pepper

A bowl of Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad is like a celebration of summer on your plate. This bright and flavorful dish brings together tender cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, red onions, and creamy mozzarella pearls all tossed in a vibrant Italian herb dressing. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a barbecue, or a light lunch, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

It’s not only stunning to look at, but it also balances texture and flavor beautifully. The freshness of the vegetables, the richness of the tortellini, and the zesty Italian dressing make every bite pop. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes even better after chilling, making it perfect for prepping ahead.

What Kind of Tortellini Works Best?

For this salad, fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works best. It cooks quickly and holds its shape well when tossed with dressing and other ingredients. You can also use tri-color tortellini for a fun, extra burst of color. Avoid dry tortellini as it tends to be firmer and less flavorful.

Ingredients for the Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Cheese Tortellini: The hearty base of the salad that adds creamy, cheesy flavor and bite-sized satisfaction.

Cherry Tomatoes: Their juicy, slightly sweet flavor adds brightness and color to the dish.

Cucumber: Brings a crisp, refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the pasta.

Mozzarella Pearls: These creamy little cheese bites melt slightly into the salad and give it a classic Caprese twist.

Red Onion: A little sharpness and vibrant color help balance out the richness of the cheese.

Kalamata Olives: Briny and bold, they add that Mediterranean tang the salad craves.

Italian Dressing: The key to tying all the ingredients together with a punch of herbs, garlic, and zesty vinegar.

Dried Oregano & Basil: Enhances the Italian flavors and adds a hint of earthiness.

Salt & Cracked Pepper: Essential for seasoning and finishing the dish just right.

How To Make the Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Chop the Fresh Ingredients

While the tortellini is cooling, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumbers, thinly slice the red onions, and drain the olives. If your mozzarella pearls are large, you can cut them in half.

Step 3: Toss the Salad Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, chopped vegetables, mozzarella pearls, and olives. Pour the Italian dressing over the top and toss until everything is well coated.

Step 4: Season and Chill

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and cracked pepper to taste. Mix again, cover the bowl, and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra flair, garnish with fresh herbs or a few additional mozzarella pearls.

How to Serve and Store Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

This pasta salad shines when served chilled or at room temperature. It makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a standalone lunch. Serve it in a large platter or individual bowls with a sprinkle of extra herbs or freshly grated Parmesan on top.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir and possibly a splash more dressing before serving again, as the pasta may absorb some of the liquid over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just cook it according to package instructions and cool it thoroughly before adding to the salad.

What can I substitute for mozzarella pearls?

You can cube fresh mozzarella or even use crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangier twist.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, making it ideal for prepping the day before.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based tortellini and vegan cheese options, and be sure your dressing is dairy-free.

What if I don’t like olives?

Skip them or substitute with chopped roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a similar bold flavor.

How do I make it more filling?

Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even salami slices to turn it into a heartier main dish.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you loved this Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad, here are more unique, flavor-packed options you’ll want to try next:

Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken for a zesty citrus-herb twist.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli when you’re craving something warm and hearty.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a comfort-packed weeknight dinner.
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for bold and meaty flavor.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce when you need a quick, cheesy fix.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can whip it up anytime: Follow Life with Nina on Pinterest.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use fresh garden veggies? Add a protein? Or double the dressing for more zing?

Your spins on this salad make it even better—and questions are always welcome. Let’s inspire each other with every bowl.

Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-bake / Boiled pasta
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad is a vibrant, veggie-packed dish tossed in Italian dressing. Made with tender cheese tortellini, crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, briny olives, and creamy mozzarella pearls—this colorful salad is perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a light summer lunch.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions, about 3–5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Let cool.

2. While tortellini cools, prepare the vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumbers, thinly slice red onions, and halve the olives. If mozzarella pearls are large, cut them in half.

3. In a large bowl, combine cooled tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella, red onion, and olives.

4. Pour in the Italian dressing and toss to coat evenly.

5. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix again until fully combined.

6. Cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

7. Toss once more before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra mozzarella if desired.