Best 7 Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, tortellini pasta salad stands as a vibrant tapestry of flavors and textures, enticing the taste buds with its symphony of ingredients. Originating from the heart of Italy, this delectable dish combines the chewy goodness of tortellini pasta with an array of fresh vegetables, succulent meats, and tangy dressings, resulting in a perfect harmony of tastes and aromas. Whether you prefer a classic rendition featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette or a more adventurous version bursting with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy pesto dressing, this versatile salad promises to tantalize your palate and leave you craving more.

**Recipe 1: Classic Tortellini Pasta Salad**
This timeless recipe captures the essence of tortellini pasta salad, showcasing the simplicity and elegance of fresh ingredients. Bite-sized tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and red onion slices mingle harmoniously, while a balsamic vinaigrette dressing adds a touch of tangy sweetness.

**Recipe 2: Grilled Chicken Tortellini Pasta Salad**
For those seeking a protein-packed twist, this recipe incorporates succulent grilled chicken into the mix. Tender pieces of chicken breast, marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, are grilled to perfection and tossed with tortellini, roasted red peppers, and a creamy pesto dressing. This dish offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures, sure to please even the most discerning palate.

**Recipe 3: Vegetarian Tortellini Pasta Salad**
Catering to the preferences of vegetarians, this recipe showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables. An assortment of bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are sautéed until tender and colorful, then combined with tortellini, spinach, and a tangy lemon-herb dressing. This light and refreshing salad is a testament to the versatility and goodness of plant-based cuisine.

**Recipe 4: Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Tortellini Pasta Salad**
This recipe takes inspiration from Mediterranean flavors, featuring sun-dried tomatoes, briny feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. The sun-dried tomatoes impart a sweet and tangy richness, while the feta cheese adds a creamy and salty dimension. This flavorful salad is sure to transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Greece.

So, whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurous eater, these four tortellini pasta salad recipes offer something for everyone. From classic combinations to innovative twists, these dishes promise to tantalize your taste buds and make your next meal a memorable culinary experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TORTELLINI AND SPINACH PASTA SALAD



Tortellini and Spinach Pasta Salad image

Pick a cheese-filled tortellini for this rich pasta salad with spinach, basil, Gouda and a creamy dressing.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
8 ounces cheese tortellini
6 cups loosely packed baby spinach
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
1/4 cup grated Gouda
1 vine-ripe tomato, chopped

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Add to the bowl with the dressing.
  • Add the spinach, basil, and scallions, Gouda and tomato to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.
  • Copyright 2016 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.

TORTELLINI & BOW TIE PASTA SALAD



Tortellini & Bow Tie Pasta Salad image

This is the best tasting Italian Style Pasta salad I have ever eaten. I received this recipe from a caterer at our church Cyndy Totten, who gave me permission to post her recipes. Cooking time is cooling time in the refrigerator.

Provided by CarrolJ

Categories     European

Time 1h20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces cooked multi-colored cheese tortellini
2 cups dry bow tie pasta, which has been cooked
1 cup sliced black olives
1 cup chopped pepperoni or 1 cup salami
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped fresh tomato
2 cups your favorite Italian dressing
2 tablespoons your favorite salad seasoning (I use Salad Supreme Seasoning)

Steps:

  • Drain the precooked Tortellini and Bow Tie Pasta in a large colander.
  • Rinse both pastas under cold water until completely cooled.
  • Drain completely and set aside.
  • In a large salad bowl, toss together the Salad Pastas and Vegetables.
  • Add the Dressing and Spices and toss everything well.
  • Refrigerate until time to serve.
  • This salad develops more flavor the longer it refrigerates so it can be made the night before if desired.
  • Lightly toss just prior to serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 807.9, Fat 55.8, SaturatedFat 18.5, Cholesterol 97.1, Sodium 2211.6, Carbohydrate 51.2, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 9.8, Protein 26.3

COLORFUL TORTELLINI PASTA SALAD



Colorful Tortellini Pasta Salad image

I get a lot of requests for this pretty and flavorful pasta salad. I like lighter dressing, so if you like more, you may want to increase the oil and vinegar. I haven't gotten any complaints about this though - only compliments! :) I use dry, tri-color tortellini, but you can use refrigerated tortellini or whatever pasta you like. I think fresh herbs and fresh parmesan cheese (not the powdered stuff in the can!) make a big difference in this recipe. I haven't tried it yet, but I think fresh broccoli would also be nice in this. This recipe makes a ton, so it is great for larger gatherings. The number of servings is a guess!

Provided by Vino Girl

Categories     Onions

Time 4h45m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

16 ounces cheese-filled egg tortellini
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons of fresh mint, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1 teaspoon garlic granules
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 dashes hot pepper sauce
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to directions on the package.
  • When making any pasta salad, I prefer to under cook it by a minute or two so that it is a bit more firm, but this is up to you.
  • Rinse with cold water and drain well.
  • Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, herbs, lemon juice, garlic, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and hot sauce in a medium bowl or large measuring cup.
  • Combine peppers, onion, and olives in a very large bowl.
  • Gently stir in tortellini.
  • Pour dressing over salad and lightly toss to coat pasta and vegetables.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least four hours.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle the cheeses on top.

CHEESE TORTELLINI PESTO PASTA SALAD



Cheese Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad image

This is my favorite way to make (and eat!) pasta salad in the whole world! I have been making it for years and always get asked for my recipe. So happy to share it with you all! *It makes alot, I'll warn ya, but you can make a smaller version by omitting the rotini and adding half the rest of the ingredients...but... it's highly...

Provided by Kelly Williams

Categories     Salads

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (14 oz.) can(s) artichocke hearts, drained and quartered
1 (10 oz.) container grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1 (6 oz.) can(s) medium black olives, drained and halved lengthwise
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 (20 oz.) pkg cheese-filled tortellini, cooked al dente, drained (fresh or frozen)
1/3 c evoo, more if needed (extra virgin olive oil)
1/4 c parmesan cheese, i use the kind in the "green can" (kraft), but you could definately use fresh finely grated
1 (8 oz.) jar(s) basil pesto
1/2 tsp salt, more if needed
2 tsp minced garlic (i cheat and use the kind in the little jar as i hate chopping and grating garlic))
12 oz. good mozzarella cheese (fresh if you like), cubed
8 oz. (or half of a 1 lb. box) rotini noodles, cooked al dente and drained

Steps:

  • 1. Cook pastas, set aside to cool a bit.
  • 2. In large bowl or punch bowl, add rest of ingredients folding gently til well mixed.
  • 3. Gently fold in pastas well.
  • 4. Adjust seasonings to taste, meaning, add more salt, parmesan, etc., til it's to your own liking.
  • 5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.
  • 6. *If serving this much later or the next day, you'll need to "refresh" this. Just add a bit more olive oil, salt and parmesan cheese before serving as the noodles suck up the oil and seasonings a bit.
  • 7. *This salad is best room temp or even slightly warm.

MEDITERRANEAN TORTELLINI PASTA SALAD



Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad image

A hearty pasta salad that is a favorite among friends and family. A friend whom owns a restaurant actually added it to her menu!

Provided by Baseball Mom 5

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (19 ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (or 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach)
1 (6 ounce) can small black olives
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halfed
1/2 chopped red onion
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
5 ounces feta cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • Boil and rinse tortellini. Blanch spinach if using fresh. Defrost and drain spinach if using frozen.
  • Combine tortellini, spinach, olives, tomatoes, onion.
  • Mix oil and vinegar, then pour over salad mixture.
  • Add cheeses.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 492.9, Fat 25.6, SaturatedFat 9.6, Cholesterol 64.9, Sodium 931.2, Carbohydrate 48.5, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 3.7, Protein 18.9

TORTELLINI PASTA SALAD



Tortellini Pasta Salad image

Tortellini Pasta Salad is full of fresh vegetables, cheesy tortellini, feta cheese crumbles and a zesty homemade vinaigrette dressing.

Provided by Six Sisters

Yield 6-8

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 orange bell pepper (diced)
1 yellow bell pepper (diced)
½ red onion (thinly sliced)
1 cucumber (diced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ cup sliced olives
1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
1 (4 ounce) pkg. feta cheese crumbles
1 (19 ounce) package cheese tortellini
¼ cup olive oil
5 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar

Steps:

  • Boil a large pot of water and cook the tortellini according to the directions on the package. Once it is done cooking, drain and pour into a large bowl.
  • Fold in peppers, onion, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts and feta cheese.
  • Whisk together salad dressing ingredients and pour over salad.
  • Toss salad until dressing is evenly distributed.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Servingsize 1 serving, Calories 413 kcal

TORTELLINI CAESAR PASTA SALAD RECIPE - (4.6/5)



Tortellini Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe - (4.6/5) image

Provided by CandyH

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 (9-oz) packages cheese tortellini
1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
3 ears corn
1 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing
Juice of 1 lemon
2 carrots, thinly sliced
4 tomatoes, diced
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • 1.Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and cool. 2.Steam broccoli until tender, about 6 minutes; cool. 3.Cook corn in boiling water, 5 minutes; cool, then slice kernels off cob. 4.Toss tortellini, broccoli, and corn with dressing, lemon juice, carrots, tomatoes; salt to taste.

Tips:

  • Choose the right tortellini. For the best flavor and texture, use a high-quality tortellini made with fresh ingredients. You can find tortellini in the refrigerated or frozen section of most grocery stores.
  • Cook the tortellini al dente. This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked tortellini will be mushy and bland.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. The more vegetables you add to your pasta salad, the more flavorful and nutritious it will be. Some good options include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and zucchini.
  • Don't skimp on the dressing. A good dressing will help to bind all of the ingredients together and give the pasta salad a delicious flavor. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own.
  • Serve the pasta salad chilled. This will help to keep it refreshing and flavorful.

Conclusion:

Tortellini pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is also a great way to use up leftover tortellini. With a variety of vegetables and a flavorful dressing, tortellini pasta salad is sure to be a hit with everyone.

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