Summer Tortellini Salad

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Summer Tortellini Salad is the ultimate celebration of color, flavor, and freshness. It’s everything you want in a summer dish—vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, tender cheese tortellini, and a bold Italian-style vinaigrette. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a BBQ, or just need something quick and satisfying on a hot day, this salad comes together in no time and delivers big on taste.

What sets this tortellini salad apart is how beautifully balanced it is. The soft tortellini contrasts with crunchy veggies, while the feta and olives give it a salty edge that’s perfect for warm weather. A touch of basil and cracked black pepper takes it over the top. It’s light enough to serve as a side but hearty enough to stand on its own.

---

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini works best in this salad because it cooks quickly and holds its shape when tossed with the other ingredients. You could also use spinach-ricotta or even tri-color tortellini for extra flair. Just avoid frozen tortellini for this dish—they can be too soft once cooked and tend to break apart.

---

Ingredients for the Summer Tortellini Salad

Cheese Tortellini – The star of the show! These little pasta pillows bring a creamy bite that makes this salad so satisfying.

Cherry Tomatoes – Their natural sweetness and juicy texture make them a summer staple and pair beautifully with the cheese and vinaigrette.

Cucumber – For a refreshing crunch and extra hydration, cucumber slices bring balance to the rich tortellini.

Red Onion – A few slivers go a long way, adding sharpness and a bite to round out the dish.

Kalamata Olives – Salty and meaty, these olives bring Mediterranean depth and complexity.

Feta Cheese – Cubed feta adds creaminess and a tangy touch that complements the vinaigrette.

Fresh Basil – Torn or chopped, basil adds a pop of herbaceous aroma and flavor.

Italian Vinaigrette – A zesty, garlicky dressing ties everything together with a burst of acidity.

Cracked Black Pepper – A few generous twists at the end for bold, peppery flair.

---

How To Make the Summer Tortellini Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the tortellini cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumbers thinly, and shave or slice the red onion. Cube the feta cheese and tear or chop the basil leaves.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta. Gently toss to mix.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Drizzle your favorite Italian vinaigrette over the salad and toss again to coat all the ingredients evenly. Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it extra refreshing.

---

How to Serve and Store This Summer Tortellini Salad

Serve this salad chilled straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to bring out the flavors even more. It’s a great side for grilled meats or can be served as a light vegetarian main dish. If you’re packing it for a picnic, store it in an airtight container with a cold pack.

To store leftovers, keep the salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick toss before serving, and add a splash of vinaigrette if it needs a refresh.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just wait to add the basil until right before serving so it stays vibrant.

What other cheese works besides feta?

Goat cheese or mozzarella pearls are great alternatives. They both offer a creamy texture and mellow flavor.

Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely. A balsamic vinaigrette, red wine vinegar-based dressing, or even lemon-herb dressing can be wonderful in this recipe.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free tortellini. Always check the labels to be sure.

What proteins can I add to make it a main course?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make excellent additions to boost the protein.

Can I add more veggies?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts would be delicious extras to mix in.

---

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you’re loving this Summer Tortellini Salad, you’ll definitely want to check out these other refreshing and hearty favorites from the blog:

• Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken for a protein-packed citrus twist.
• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Salad when you’re craving sweet and creamy in every bite.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for something cozy yet summer-perfect.
• Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage if you’re looking for warm comfort with minimal effort.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce to satisfy a hearty, cheesy craving.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad or summer board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you toss in extra herbs? Did you swap the vinaigrette? I’d love to hear what twists you tried. Your tips help others make it even better. Let’s share and create together.

---

Print