Restless Chipotle

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
×
  • Overhead view of pickles in a white bowl
    Sweet Heat Refrigerator Pickles
  • A basket full of garlic breadsticks.
    How to Make Soft Garlic Breadsticks`
  • A peaches and cream icebox pie with a serving removed to show the layers.
    Peach Icebox Pie
  • A square of strawberry shortcut cake being served from a spatula.
    Strawberry Shortcut Cake
  • A cropped view of this recipe in a glass bowl for the feature image.
    Old Fashioned Banana Pudding
  • Closeup of fried chicken on a plate.
    Why Do Southerners Put Buttermilk in Everything?
  • Overhead view of finished crockpot chicken bog in the crockpot.
    Crockpot Chicken Bog
  • Overhead view of the finished grapefruit cake on a white cake plate.
    Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit Bundt Cake
  • Overhead view of skillet with finished cabbage in it. Feature image.
    Creamed Cabbage
  • Bright green cocktail in a clear glass.
    Hammered Hulk Cocktail – A Bold, Green Drink for St. Patrick’s Day
  • Closeup of pimento cheese balls for feature image.
    Crispy Fried Pimento Cheese Balls
  • A crunchy topped casserole with a serving spoon in it.
    Pineapple Casserole
Home » Recipes » Corn, Pasta, and Other Starches

Italian Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad (Easy Recipe!)

Published: Jul 13, 2023 · Updated: Dec 28, 2024 by Marye

Beat the heat this summer with this refreshing, make-ahead cheese tortellini pasta salad. Filled with colorful veggies and tender cheese tortellini, this salad is tossed in a zesty dressing that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or an easy lunch, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone - even the picky eaters!
Total time for the recipe to be finished.Total Time 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Jump to Recipe
Overhead view of Italian cheese tortellini salad with asparagus.
Closeup of tortellini and asparagus salad with a text overlay for Pinterest.
Overhead view of the tortellini salad in a bowl with text overlay for Pinterest.

This simple recipe is full of fresh veggies and cheese-filled pasta all covered in a tangy Italian dressing and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

Best of all it goes together in minutes! Even the picky eaters love this one!

Overhead view of a bowl of tortellini salad on a table.
Table of Contents
  • 🗝️ Key takeaways
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • 📖 Variations
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🥫 How to store leftover cheese tortellini salad
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • Related recipes
  • 🍽️ Serve with...
  • 📞 The last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🗝️ Key takeaways

  • Quick and easy recipe can be a main dish or a side. Save time by making it in advance.
  • This easy pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and summer days when it's just too hot to cook.
  • Get familiar with tortellini. This versatile pasta is delicious in hot dishes or cold salads. Try cheese tortellini, spinach tortellini, tortellini stuffed with meat, or other variations.

This is one of my favorite pasta salad recipes (so move over classic pasta salad)!

Switch up the vegetables for whatever's fresh and in season at your local farmers market or grocery store and you'll want to eat this simple cheese tortellini salad all summer long.

All of the fresh vegetables give this easy side dish amazing flavor!

(In chilly weather give this hearty ravioli soup a try! )

🧾 Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for this recipe.

📖 Variations

This easy Italian pasta salad recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add your own favorite fresh veggies!

Possibilities include:

  • cherry tomatoes
  • black olives
  • artichoke hearts
  • fresh spinach leaves
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • sliced pepperoni
  • pepperoncini peppers
  • feta cheese
  • green onions
  • genoa salami
  • leftover grilled chicken
  • a pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Add pepperoni for a fun twist!
  • any fresh summer veggies like cucumber, raw zucchini, radish...

You can even add the asparagus in raw for extra crunch.

🔪 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the green recipe card below.

Collage of step by step images showing how to make this recipe.
This tortellini pasta salad recipe is a cinch to make but SO good!
  1. Cook pasta and asparagus.
  2. Add remaining salad ingredients.
  3. Stir together.
  4. Add Italian dressing and mix in gently.
Close up of a bowl of tortellini and asparagus salad.
Substitute different vegetables as they come in season to keep this cheese tortellini pasta salad at its best.

🥫 How to store leftover cheese tortellini salad

Store leftovers in an airtight container (or covered with plastic wrap) in the refrigerator for five to seven days. It's actually better the second day.

Pasta salads do not freeze well as a general rule.

💭 Things to know

Expert Tip: This is safer for a summer picnic or potluck than many summer side dishes because it doesn't have mayonnaise in it. Since it does contain dairy (the cheese filling) cover with plastic wrap and get it into the refrigerator within a couple of hours. If it's left out for more than three hours toss it. It's not worth the potential illness.

This is one salad that's perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch of it on the weekend and it will be delicious all week long.

  • Save time by buying bell peppers and onions already diced.
  • I get the big package of tortellini at Costco. It's fresh and I think it tastes better in this salad. Plus, it's very affordable. Whatever kind you use just cook according to package instructions.
  • I like zesty Italian dressing best in this cold pasta salad recipe - it gives it so much flavor. You can use what you like - even oil and red wine vinegar with a little Italian seasoning stirred in will work - but it's not my favorite.
  • Keep extra dressing on hand in case you need it.
  • I think tri-colored tortellini is really pretty for pasta salad recipes if you can find it. If not use the plain kind.
  • Toss the tortellini with dressing while it's still warm. The pasta will soak up more of the flavor.
  • If you like the flavor of fresh basil don't be afraid to add more than called for in the recipe!
  • This makes a delicious main dish or a great side dish with grilled meats.
  • Add pepperoni for a fun twist!
  • Don't overcook the pasta. If it's overcooked it will fall apart. Ask me how I know...

Try this easy green bean salad next.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

Here are the questions I am most frequently asked about this easy tortellini salad recipe.

Can you eat cold tortellini?

Absolutely! They are delicious in this easy pasta salad!

Is pasta salad supposed to be cold?

It's up to your tastes. I prefer my Italian pasta salad at room temperature but many people prefer them cold.

How long will tortellini pasta salad last in the fridge?

About five days- seven at the most.

Side view of a plate of the pasta salad ready to be eaten.
Tortellini pasta salad makes a delicious light lunch or dinner. Just add some sliced summer tomatoes!

Related recipes

  • Italian pasta Salad is similar to this but made with rigatoni and a homemade vinaigrette that's naturally fat free.
  • Potato Salad has all the creamy goodness you remember! This is the classic.
  • Macaroni Salad is another family favorite that we've been enjoying for decades!
  • Frito Corn Salad is a unique Tex-Mex salad with the crunch of corn chips.
  • Pea and Cheese Salad is full of sweet peas and cubes of Cheddar cheese with crispy bacon stirred in.
  • Texas Pasta Salad is a main dish salad with taco meat, beans, corn, and pasta all in a tangy lime dressing. YUM!
  • Overhead view of orange cream salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Orange Creamsicle Salad
  • Serving collard greens from the slow cooker.
    Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Bacon
  • Overhead view of Snickers salad showing the caramel drizzle on top.
    Apple Snickers Salad
  • Overhead view of a plate of homemade tater tots.
    Best Homemade Tater Tots

🍽️ Serve with...

Italian tortellini salad is good with so many different things! I like to serve it as a main dish on the hot summer days here in Texas. And by hot I mean 110F.

Since there's so many veggies in it it doesn't need much else on the table.

If we're grilling I'll make this simple salad to go with my favorite Lipton onion soup burger, grilled pear salad, and a lemon bundt cake.

📞 The last word

Just fair warning; when I made this cheesy tortellini summer salad a day ahead of time it soaked up all the dressing and I had to add more before serving.

Have an extra bottle of dressing on hand just in case.

This is one of my favorite easy meals in hot weather - and definitely, the one I turn to again and again during hot Texas summers.

It's a potluck favorite and the perfect side dish for summer barbecues.

I love how the Italian dressing soaks into the pasta and gives it even more flavor.

Not only is it perfect for on-the-go, busy families but take a large bowl of it to any cookout or get-together -- it's a crowd-pleaser!

Give this creamy, crunchy broccoli cauliflower salad a try, too.

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

Overhead view of Italian cheese tortellini salad with asparagus.

Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad

5 from 1 vote
Print Save Recipe Saved! Rate Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Beat the heat this summer with this refreshing, make-ahead cheese tortellini pasta salad. Filled with colorful veggies and tender cheese tortellini, this salad is tossed in a zesty dressing that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or an easy lunch, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone - even the picky eaters!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Chill: 2 hours hours
Total Time: 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings:8
Calories:317
Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • 1 pound tortellini
  • 1 pound asparagus, Cleaned, trimmed, and cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 cup zesty Italian dressing, may need more
  • 1 cup kalamata olives, drained
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, (purple onion) diced
  • ½ cup Parmesan, grated
  • basil, chopped

Instructions

  • Cook the tortellini according to package directions.
  • Drain.
  • Cook the asparagus until crisp-tender. It should be a bright green color.
  • Scoop out with a straining ladle or drain. Plunge into ice water.
  • Add the tortellini and asparagus to the large bowl.
  • Mix in the rest of the ingredients except the Parmesan and basil.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or up to two days.

To serve

  • When you're ready to serve, remove the bowl from the refrigerator and take off the plastic wrap.
  • Stir the pasta salad to mix up the ingredients again and make sure there isn't a puddle of dressing on the bottom of the bowl.
  • If the salad seems dry add a little more dressing.
  • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped basil.
  • Serve.

Notes

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container (or covered with plastic wrap) in the refrigerator for five to seven days. It's actually better the second day.
Tortellini pasta salad does not freeze well. 
This is safer for summer potlucks than macaroni salad because it doesn't have mayonnaise in it but since it does contain dairy (the cheese filling) cover with plastic wrap and get it into the refrigerator within a couple of hours. If it's left out for more than three hours toss it. It's not worth the potential illness.
Tips:
  • I get the big package of tortellini at Costco. It's fresh and I think it tastes better in this salad. Plus, it's very affordable. Whatever kind you use just cook according to package instructions.
  • I like zesty Italian dressing best for this salad but you can use what you like - even oil and red wine vinegar with a little Italian seasoning stirred in will work - but it's not my favorite.
  • The tri-colored tortellini is really pretty in this salad if you can find it.
  • Toss the tortellini with dressing while it's still warm. The pasta will soak up more of the flavor.
  • If you make this tortellini pasta salad a day or so ahead of time it could soak up the dressing and you might need to add more before serving.
  • Don't overcook the tortellini. If it's overcooked it will fall apart.
You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 903mg | Potassium: 206mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1138IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

First published April 30, 2021. Last updated July 13, 2023 to improve readability and add helpful information.

More Corn, Pasta, and Other Starches

  • Overhead view of corn pudding in a casserole dish.
    Southern Corn Pudding
  • Bacon Pimento Mac and Cheese on a plate.
    Bacon Pimento Mac & Cheese
  • Over head view of macaroni salad with a spoon in it for the feature image.
    Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad with Hellmann's
  • Side view of the cornbread salad showing the layers.
    Southern Cornbread Salad

Love it? Share it!

658 shares
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard

About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

    5 from 1 vote

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




  1. Sally says

    July 29, 2024 at 2:28 am

    5 stars
    all recipes make my mouth water !

    Reply
Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

Find out more

🍉 Memorial Day

  • Overhead view of potato salad in a glass bowl
    Mom's Homemade Potato Salad

  • Overhead view of the finished watermelon basket filled with an assortment of fruit.
    How to Make a Watermelon Basket

  • Closeup of a finished hamburger in a bun.
    Retro Lipton Onion Soup Burger (Vintage Recipe)

  • Closeup of a star shaped cake covered in white chocolate with red and blue sprinkles.
    Zebra Cake Recipe: Little Debbie Copycat

🧢 Father's Day

  • Close up of chicken breast that's been grilled.
    Awesome Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon

  • Closeup image of sausage cheese dip.
    Rotel Sausage Dip

  • Closeup overhead view of the macaroni salad in a bowl with a spoon in it for serving.
    BBQ Macaroni Salad Texas Style

  • Close up of a piece of cake.
    Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

👑 Reader Favorites

  • Square overhead of chicken for feature image.
    Slow Cooker Angel Chicken

  • Close up of the sauce showing the creamy texture.
    Copycat Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe

  • Wooden spatula removing fried potatoes out of iron skillet.
    Crispy Pan Fried Potatoes

  • Blue cocktail with a red and white straw.
    Sex in the Driveway Cocktail

  • A sliced loaf of english muffin bread.
    Easy English Muffin Bread Recipe – Perfect for Toasting (No Kneading!)

  • Two finished loaves of Amish white bread cooling on a table.
    No-Fail Amish White Bread

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Marye Audet-White
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Contact
MaryeAudet Whiteandherchildren Dec

Featured In:

Places Restless Chipotle has been featured

We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website. By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright ©2006 - 2025 Restless Chipotle Media, LLC

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.