Easy Tortellini Salad with Pepperoni & Italian Dressing
This cold tortellini salad dish is bursting with Italian flavors that will bring your taste buds straight to Italy!
This cold pasta salad with tortellini comes together in less than 20 minutes and makes a perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, and busy weeknights.
Save This Post!
We’ll email this post to you so you can find it later.
This cold tortellini salad is tossed in an herbaceous Italian dressing. The acidity of the vinegar & oil salad dressing base balances out all the flavors to create this quick-and-easy recipe that will please everyone!
Why you’ll love this Cold Tortellini Salad Recipe
There are several reasons why you will love this recipe.
- It is a well-rounded meal for nights that you’re craving something different! This recipe is a great source of carbohydrates, calcium, fiber, and protein. At 674 calories per serving, it is satisfying enough for a complete meal.
- The crisp bell peppers with mixed with the al dente tortellini gives it an array of textures!
- This recipe is ready in less than 20 minutes and can even be made ahead! You just cook the pasta until al dente and then combine it with all the other ingredients. Voila! You now have salad and pasta in one meal.
- It’s filling! This tortellini salad recipe will keep you full throughout the day without feeling overly full and heavy. It is a super easy lunch for school or work.
Ingredients for Cold Tortellini Salad
See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact measurements.
Want to mix it up? Swap the Italian dressing for Caesar, ranch, or a Greek vinaigrette for an easy variation.
How to Make Cold Tortellini Salad
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, set aside, and let cool (Photo 1)
- Cube the cheese and bell peppers, keeping them bite sized
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and toss (Photos 2 & 3)
- Chill at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to come together
What to serve with this Tortellini Salad recipe
Italian Tortellini Salad is best paired with chicken or fish. Try my Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs or Pistachio Crusted Salmon for a complete meal!
A glass of Italian red wine (or any red wine) is the perfect drink to pair with this dish. The cheese and the olive blend well with the wine, or if you want something with a little carbonation, a peach gin fizz will hit the spot.
You know I can’t forget about dessert! Go with an easy fresh peach galette, blueberry dump cake, or creamy banana frozen yogurt!
Recipe FAQs
The dressing for this tortellini salad is pretty simple, but you could also add any dressing you like in place of the Italian seasoning and the olive oil. Cheese tortellini is my top pick since the creamy filling pairs perfectly with the Italian dressing. Spinach or meat-filled tortellini work great too!
Yes! This is a great dish to make ahead. Just make sure to package the veggies, pasta, and dressing in separate containers so you can add them together when you’re ready to serve. This will keep the vegetables crisp and the pasta from getting soggy.
It will last 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container.
Absolutely! Swap the pepperoni for diced prosciutto or ham, or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version.
Easy Cold Italian Tortellini Salad (With Pepperoni!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10-12 oz tortellini pasta any flavor, cooked and cooled
- 5 oz mini pepperoni
- 4 oz Monterey jack cheese cubed
- 2 oz black olives sliced
- ¼ cup each red orange, and green bell pepper
- ¼ cup oil & vinegar salad dressing
- 1 teaspoon dry onion
- 1 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, set aside, and let cool10-12 oz tortellini pasta
- Cube the cheese, and bell peppers keeping them bite-sized4 oz Monterey jack cheese,¼ cup each red
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and toss until well combined5 oz mini pepperoni,2 oz black olives,¼ cup oil & vinegar salad dressing,1 teaspoon dry onion,1 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning,Salt & pepper to taste
- Chill at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to come together
Notes
Nutrition Information
Hungry for more?
Follow me on Pinterest and make sure to comment below!
