This Tortellini Pasta Salad has cheese-filled tortellini with homemade balsamic dressing and Italian favorites like salami, mozzarella, spinach, bell peppers, olives, and more!
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.
Boil tortellini according to package instructions, do not overcook. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
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 theremaining salad ingredients along with up to ½ cup more dressing. Gently toss to combine.
Refrigerate for 2-3 hours. If desired, drizzle with remaining dressing prior to serving. (See notes if making 1 day ahead.)
Notes
Pro Tips
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 compliment the Tuscan theme in this recipe, but sliced cherry tomatoes may also be used.
Pepperoni makes a great addition to this salad as well!
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.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving. There are 10 servings in this recipe.