Vibrant Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer heat calls for a refreshing tortellini pasta salad recipe that bursts with vibrant flavors and colors.

This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender cheese-filled pasta with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy and tangy notes.

Colorful bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs create a stunning medley of textures and tastes.

The light and satisfying salad comes together in minutes, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.

Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, this pasta salad promises to be a summer favorite that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this delicious recipe and watch it become your go-to dish for warm-weather gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 7

Tortellini Pasta Salad Ingredient Rundown

• Vinegar, Olive Oil: Creates tangy, silky foundation that coats pasta beautifully; choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds zesty kick and helps emulsify dressing, ensuring smooth texture; select smooth, robust Dijon for maximum impact.

• Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic punch that elevates entire dish; use fresh cloves and mince finely for maximum flavor infusion.
• Lemon Juice: Introduces bright, citrusy notes that cut through richness and balance overall taste; select ripe, juicy lemons for maximum zing.

• Salt, Pepper: Critical for awakening and balancing flavors; use freshly ground black pepper and kosher or sea salt for deeper, more nuanced seasoning; adjust to personal taste preference.

Tools That Help Toss, Dress, and Mix Cleanly

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling tortellini with plenty of salt.
• Colander: Essential for draining and rinsing pasta quickly.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious enough to toss all salad ingredients together.
• Blender or whisk: Helps create a smooth, creamy dressing in minutes.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for the dressing.
• Cutting board and knife: Useful for chopping herbs or preparing any additional ingredients.

How to Put Together a Flavorful Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Pasta Preparation

Boil tortellini in generously salted water until perfectly tender. Allow pasta to cool completely by giving it a quick rinse under cold water, then set aside.

• Salad Assembly

Gather all your colorful ingredients and toss them gently into a spacious mixing bowl. Make sure each component gets a fair chance to mingle and create delightful flavor combinations.

• Dressing Magic

Whip up a zesty dressing by blending tangy mustard, bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and smooth olive oil. The goal is to create a silky, vibrant sauce that will elevate the entire dish.

• Final Touch

Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad, using soft folding motions to ensure every piece gets a beautiful coating. Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan and scattered herb leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

• Serving Suggestion

This salad can be enjoyed immediately while the flavors are dancing, or chilled for a refreshing later treat. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch that feels like a gourmet experience.

Tips for Pasta That Holds Up in Dressings

• Experiment with different tortellini fillings like spinach and ricotta, four-cheese, or meat-based options to add exciting flavor profiles to your pasta salad.
• Add crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, and diced cucumber for a Greek-inspired version that brings fresh, tangy notes to the classic recipe.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance to let flavors meld together, with dressing gently absorbed by the pasta and vegetables for deeper, richer taste.
• Toss in grilled chicken, crispy salami slices, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Mix in roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or fresh arugula to create unexpected textures and add vibrant colors to your pasta salad.

Ways to Serve Pasta Salad at Lunches or Potlucks

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread the tortellini pasta salad on a large wooden board with fresh baguette slices and extra Parmesan shavings for a rustic, inviting presentation that screams summer gathering.
• Al Fresco Dining Delight: Serve chilled in small mason jars for an elegant outdoor lunch or potluck, garnishing with extra herbs and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to elevate the visual appeal.
• Mediterranean Mezze Style: Pair the salad with olives, roasted red peppers, and grilled artichoke hearts to create a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired spread that transforms the dish into a complete meal experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Top individual portions with grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or seared shrimp to add extra protein and turn this side dish into a satisfying main course for hungry guests.

How to Pack Pasta Salad for, Fresh Meals

• Chilled Delight Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the salad crisp and fresh.
• Flavor Boost Tip: Wait to add dressing until just before serving to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain optimal texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components separately and combine right before eating for maximum taste and crunch.
• Smart Portion Planning: Divide salad into individual meal prep containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy weekdays.

Vibrant Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Italian tortellini pasta salad combines cheese-filled pasta with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs. Summer gatherings welcome this refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish that delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures you will crave.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ cup (118 ml) olive oil
• ¼ cup (59 ml) vinegar
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Heat a large pot with generously salted water to a rolling boil, then carefully cook tortellini for 7-9 minutes until they float and reach perfect al dente texture.
2. Cooling Process: Drain tortellini in a colander and swiftly rinse under cold water to cease cooking and prevent adhesion, then allow to cool completely.
3. Vegetable Integration: Chop fresh vegetables into uniform pieces and combine with cooled tortellini in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
4. Dressing Creation: Whisk Dijon mustard, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper into a smooth, cohesive emulsion that will enhance the pasta’s flavor profile.
5. Flavor Infusion: Pour prepared dressing over tortellini and vegetable mixture, gently folding with a silicone spatula to coat each pasta pocket thoroughly and distribute seasonings evenly.
6. Garnishing Finale: Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and hand-torn aromatic herbs like basil or parsley across the salad, adding visual appeal and robust flavor complexity.
7. Serving Recommendation: Chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to harmonize, or serve immediately at room temperature for an optimal gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Rinse tortellini immediately with cold water to stop cooking and separate pasta pieces, avoiding a sticky, unappetizing texture.
• Master the Dressing: Whisk ingredients vigorously to create a perfectly emulsified dressing that clings evenly to every tortellini, ensuring maximum flavor in each bite.
• Herb Selection Matters: Choose fresh, fragrant herbs like basil or parsley to elevate the salad’s taste and provide a vibrant, aromatic finish.
• Flavor Development Tip: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator allows ingredients to mingle and intensify, creating a more complex and delicious dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg