Easy Quick Tortellini Salad

The first time I made my Easy Quick Tortellini Salad, the vibrant colors and fresh aromas practically pulled me right into the kitchen. There’s just something about the blend of pillowy cheese tortellini, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing that feels like summer in a bowl. What I love most is how fast it comes together without sacrificing any flavor or texture. It’s the kind of salad where each bite is a little celebration—creamy tortellini meets crunchy peppers and bright herbs, all tossed in a zesty dressing that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re hunting for a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, potlucks, or a light dinner, this Easy Quick Tortellini Salad is your new best friend.

Easy Quick Tortellini Salad: Why It Works & Ingredients

• 1 (9-ounce) package of cheese tortellini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Why this mix? The tortellini are soft and chewy, acting as the perfect blank canvas to carry all the fresh ingredients’ flavors. Choosing cheese-filled tortellini adds just enough creaminess, which balances the acidity and crunch. Red wine vinegar gives a bright tang that cuts through the richness without overpowering the palate. I always reach for extra-virgin olive oil here because its fruity notes add depth and bring all the ingredients together. The fresh herbs aren’t just for looks—they add lift and an aromatic edge you don’t want to miss. I like using a bit of Dijon mustard and honey in the dressing because it adds layers of flavor—a subtle bite and a touch of sweetness that keep things lively and interesting. This salad is well-rounded, hitting soft, crisp, tangy, herby, and creamy all at the same time.

Easy Quick Tortellini Salad

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Tired of complicated meals Try this Easy Quick Tortellini Salad recipe that saves time and delights your taste buds instantly

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 (9-ounce) package of cheese tortellini

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 red bell pepper, diced

0.5 cup cucumber, diced

0.33 cup red onion, finely chopped

0.5 cup black olives, sliced

0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella

0.33 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk well until the dressing is silky and smooth.

While the tortellini cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper and cucumber, chop the red onion, and slice the olives. Tear or chop the basil and parsley finely.

In a large bowl, toss the cooled tortellini with the tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, onion, olives, basil, parsley, and mozzarella. Pour the dressing on top.

Gently toss everything until evenly coated. Taste and season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.

Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marry beautifully.

Notes

A vibrant and fresh Easy Quick Tortellini Salad combining pillowy cheese tortellini, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing. Perfect for lunch, potlucks, or a light dinner, this salad boasts a creamy, crunchy, and zesty flavor profile and comes together quickly without sacrificing taste or texture.

Easy Quick Tortellini Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta.
2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Don’t skimp on whisking well—the mustard and honey will emulsify the dressing, making it silky and smooth instead of separated.
3. Chop the veggies and herbs: While the tortellini cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper and cucumber, chop the red onion, and slice the olives. Tear or chop your basil and parsley finely—fresh herbs make all the difference here.
4. Combine everything: In a large bowl, toss the cooled tortellini with the tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, onion, olives, basil, parsley, and mozzarella. Pour the dressing on top.
5. Mix it up: Gently toss everything until it’s evenly coated. Taste and season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. The salad should have a bright, balanced flavor with no one ingredient overpowering the rest.
6. Rest before serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving. This step lets the flavors marry beautifully, though it also tastes great fresh if you’re in a hurry.

Easy Quick Tortellini Salad: Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the tortellini. It should be tender but still have a slight bite—this stops it from turning mushy once dressed.
• Rinse the tortellini thoroughly under cold water after cooking to cool it quickly and rinse off excess starch. This helps keep the salad fresh and prevents clumping.
• Use fresh herbs rather than dried for the best flavor punch. Parsley and basil give brightness and a slightly sweet lift that dried herbs just can’t match.
• Let the salad rest in the fridge before serving. The dressing softens the vegetables and tortellini just enough to create a harmonious texture.
• Adjust salt and pepper at the end—sometimes a bit more seasoning brings everything to life.

Easy Quick Tortellini Salad: Storage & Reheating

Storing your tortellini salad properly is key to keeping it tasting fresh. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Because this salad features a cold dressing and fresh ingredients, it actually tastes better after a day when the flavors have mingled. Avoid freezing it, as the fresh vegetables and cheese won’t freeze well and the texture will suffer.

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you don’t really need to reheat it. Taking it straight out of the fridge is perfectly fine, but if you prefer it just a bit warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. If you must reheat, do so gently in a microwave using short bursts and mix in between to prevent overheating and breaking down the delicate textures.

Easy Quick Tortellini Salad: FAQ

Can I make this Easy Quick Tortellini Salad vegan?

Yes! Simply swap out the cheese tortellini for a vegan pasta option and use vegan mozzarella or skip the cheese altogether. You can replace honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar. The salad will still be crisp, fresh, and bursting with flavor.

What can I add to make this salad more filling?

If you want to boost the protein, adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cooked shrimp works beautifully. They add heartiness without weighing down the bright flavors.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

Absolutely. I recommend making the dressing separately and tossing it with the tortellini and veggies right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh. You can prep all the ingredients a day ahead, just keep them refrigerated separately.

What other herbs work well in this Easy Quick Tortellini Salad?

Fresh oregano, thyme, or mint can be great swaps or additions for a different flavor twist. Each one brings a unique aroma that elevates the salad’s profile.

Is there a gluten-free option for tortellini?

Yes, look for gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn flour at specialty stores or some supermarkets. The cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 17g (mostly from olive oil and cheese)
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g (natural from veggies and honey)

Nutrition can vary depending on specific brands and ingredient quantities. This salad balances carbs and fats nicely, making it a filling but not heavy meal option.

Conclusion

This Easy Quick Tortellini Salad has become one of those handful-of-ingredients miracles in my kitchen that I find myself turning to time and again. It’s flexible, fast, and so full of fresh, vibrant flavors that it rarely lasts long on the table. If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out or what tweaks you made. Drop a comment or rate the recipe—I’m always curious to know if it became one of your favorites too!