Looking for a dish to pass at a picnic? This tortellini pasta salad would be perfect! It's filled with fresh veggies, basil, and a zingy Italian dressing.
What’s more fun than regular pasta salad? Tortellini pasta salad!
The tortellini are chewy and cheesy, not to mention adorable, and they make this summer salad such a blast to eat. Their nooks and crannies catch the zingy Italian dressing, and their pillowy texture contrasts beautifully with the juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy white beans. If you’re looking for a fresh dish to pass at a cookout this weekend (or a yummy idea for lunch next week), this tortellini salad recipe would be perfect.
Oh, and if you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can still make this recipe! We’ve tried making it with regular cheese tortellini (pictured here) and with Kite Hill vegan tortellini. Both ways are delicious! Just make sure you use fresh pasta—not dried. Look for it in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
Tortellini Salad Recipe Ingredients
Tortellini aside, here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Cherry tomatoes – I love how their juicy texture contrasts with the chewy pasta.
- White beans – They add creamy texture and plant-based protein. I recommend using small white beans, such as navy beans, here. I like how they tuck themselves into the crevices of the tortellini.
- Thinly sliced red onion – For sharp, savory flavor and crunch.
- Artichoke hearts and pepperoncini – They pack the salad with tangy, briny flavor.
- Arugula – For gorgeous green color and peppery flavor.
- Fresh basil – A pasta salad essential! It adds fresh, sweet, and citrusy flavor.
- Grated cheese – Totally optional, but (of course) delicious. If you want to make this tortellini salad recipe extra-cheesy, fold in some grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Red pepper flakes – For heat.
- And homemade Italian dressing – This zingy, herbaceous dressing ties the salad together. It’s easy to make with basic ingredients like olive oil, dried herbs, and fresh lemon juice.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
This tortellini pasta salad recipe is super simple to make! Here’s how it goes:
First, cook the tortellini. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, cooking until al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Allow the tortellini to cool before assembling the salad. I like to spread it out on a large plate or baking sheet to help it cool quickly.
Meanwhile, make the dressing. Find the recipe here!
When the tortellini is cool, assemble the salad. Place the pasta, artichokes, pepperoncini, tomatoes, onion, and beans in a large bowl.
Pour in half the dressing, and toss to combine. Add the arugula and basil, and toss again. If you like, sprinkle in some Parmesan and red pepper flakes. Toss one more time, garnish with more basil, and then season to taste. Add more dressing as desired.
That’s it!
Recipe Variations
I love this tortellini pasta salad recipe as written, but if you’d like to change it up, feel free! Here are a few simple variations I love:
- Add more crunch. Toss in a diced red bell pepper or celery stalk.
- Try a different dressing. My lemon vinaigrette or red wine vinegar Greek salad dressing would be great!
- Skip the pepperoncini. Replace them with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Use other fresh herbs. Substitute parsley for the basil. A little fresh oregano would be a nice addition too.
- Try another cheese. Swap out the Parm for mini mozzarella balls or crumbled feta cheese.
- Nix the white beans. Add chickpeas instead.
Let me know what variations you try!
Tortellini Salad Serving Suggestions
Serve the tortellini salad right away, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you make the salad ahead, wait to garnish it with fresh basil until right before serving. I also like to toss it with an extra drizzle of olive oil after a day or two in the fridge.
Enjoy this salad for lunch, or serve it as a side dish at a summer picnic or cookout. It pairs perfectly with classic cookout fare like veggie burgers, grilled vegetables, and fruit salad.
More Favorite Pasta Salad Recipes
If you love this tortellini salad recipe, try one of these summer pasta salads next:
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 18 ounces cheese tortellini or vegan tortellini*
- Italian Dressing
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cooked white beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 5 pepperoncini, stemmed and chopped
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 1 cup fresh basil, torn, plus more for garnish
- Parmesan or pecorino cheese, optional
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
- Prepare the dressing according to the instructions in this recipe.
- In a large bowl, combine the tortellini, tomatoes, artichokes, beans, onion, and pepperoncini. Add half the dressing and toss to combine. Add the arugula and basil and toss again. Season to taste and add Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and more dressing, if desired. Garnish with more fresh basil. Serve right away or store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
I was looking for an updated pasta salad and came across this recipe…. Made it for my family ..everyone loved it. They’re still requesting it !
It has the perfect mix of fresh ingredients that stand on their own yet when you mix everything it feels like it belongs together .