• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
  • Summer
  • Work With Me
  • About
  • Subscribe

Our Love Language is Food

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Summer
  • Work With Me
  • About
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Summer
  • Work With Me
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
Our Love Language is Food > Recipes > Side Dishes

Published: Jun 26, 2022 · Modified: Oct 3, 2022 by Meredith · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

Tortellini Pasta Salad

Sharing is caring!

Jump to Recipe

This delicious 6-ingredient summer tortellini salad is super easy and ready to enjoy in 20 minutes! A great option for potlucks, backyard BBQs, or as a light summer meal.

a large serving bowl filled high with summer tortellini salad with Italian dressing. A white serving spoon, white plates, and a green and white linen sit around the scene.

Pasta salad is a summertime staple. Cheese tortellini is the pasta base for this delicious summer pasta salad… what could be better?

I’ve made this recipe for years and years. I started making this vegetarian pasta salad with tortellini in college for tailgates with friends, and just continued to enjoy it summer after summer! This easy side dish recipe is great as written but is also totally customizable to your taste. See the ‘Recipe Variations and Substitutions’ section below for ways to modify. 

Tortellini salad can be prepped the day before your event, saving you time on a busy day! I often think it tastes best the day after I make it (chef’s secret). 

If you’ve been looking for easy side dishes to prepare for your family and friends, this is it! In addition to being a great side dish, tortellini pasta salad is also a fantastic vegetarian main dish. A must add to your summer menu!

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Summer Tortellini Salad Ingredients
  • How to Make Cheese Tortellini Pasta
  • Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe Variations
  • Serving Tortellini Asparagus Salad
  • Summer Tortellini Salad Tips
  • How to Store
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Love This Recipe? You May Also Enjoy
  • 📖 Tortellini Asparagus Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in 20 minutes! This summer tortellini salad is quick and easy to make! Cook your pasta, prep your veggies, mix, and enjoy!

Option to make ahead. This tortellini salad recipe can be made 24-hours in advance, making prep for parties or get togethers easy-peasy!

Great for parties and tailgates. This zesty Italian pasta salad with tortellini is a great addition to any party spread! An excellent side for grilled foods, and also doubles as a nice vegetarian main if desired.

Summer Tortellini Salad Ingredients

ingredients to make summer tortellini salad.

Cheese Tortellini – Use your favorite refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini. Using a tortellini you love already ensures the base of your salad will be great!

Asparagus – Blanching fresh asparagus adds a nice pop of freshness to your summer tortellini salad. Using the thin, in-season asparagus is ideal for this summer side dish.

Cherry Tomatoes – Another pop of freshness to balance out the cheesy pasta. A great use of your garden tomatoes towards the end of summer, or pick up a pint at your local farmers market!

Black Olives – Salty and brine-y, black olives add great pops of flavor to this pasta salad.

Spinach – Using another summertime veggie, fresh spinach, to add nice texture and more nutrition to this salad.

Italian Dressing – Italian dressing is what adds that huge pop of flavor to your summer tortellini pasta salad! You can use any Italian dressing that you enjoy.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Helpful Equipment

Kitchen shears making ribboning spinach super easy! This is a great alternative to chopping.

How to Make Cheese Tortellini Pasta

process shot showing all ingredients for summer tortellini salad being added to a large mixing bowl.

STEP 1: Cook pasta. Cook your cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Rinse the pasta with cold water and place it in a large bowl. If you’re still chopping the other ingredients, place the bowl of pasta in the fridge to stay cool.

STEP 2: Chop the veggies. While the pasta is cooking, chop tomatoes, asparagus, spinach, and black olives (if you didn’t purchase pre-sliced olives). Set aside.

STEP 3: Blanch the asparagus. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Then place chopped asparagus into the boiling water until fork tender (1-2 minutes; 1min for thinner asparagus and 2min for thicker asparagus). Immediately rinse with cool water, and place asparagus with cold water and ice back into the saucepan to halt the cooking.

process shot showing all ingredients for summer tortellini salad being mixed together in a large mixing bowl.

STEP 4: Mix ingredients together. Place all of the ingredients into the large bowl with the pasta, stir to evenly coat the pasta and veggies. 

STEP 5: Chill until ready to serve. If you’re not enjoying your pasta salad right away, place it in the fridge until ready to serve.

TIME SAVING TIP: Save time by chopping your ingredients and blanching your asparagus while the pasta cooks.

Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe Variations

  • Add a protein. Salami, pepperoni, or pieces of grilled or shredded chicken would all be wonderful additions to this summer tortellini salad. 
  • Add more cheese. Cut up pieces of fresh mozzarella or the pre-made fresh mozzarella ‘pearls’ are both great additions to this tortellini pasta salad. A heavy sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese would be another great choice.
  • Swap arugula for the spinach. If you’d like to add more of a punch, arugula is a bold and peppery green that can be used in place of the spinach.
  • Try different vegetables (or add in some more): Bell peppers, pepperoncini peppers, red onion, and cucumbers are all popular additions to tortellini pasta salad with Italian dressing. I’ve also used artichoke hearts in this recipe and it was delightful. Customize your salad to your liking!
  • Add fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley would be excellent in this summer pasta salad.
  • Make your own dressing: If you’d prefer homemade dressing, make your own! The dressing used on this Mediterranean Pasta Salad would be a great option.

Possible Dietary Restrictions?

This pasta salad recipe is vegetarian as written. One quick swap can make this into a gluten free pasta salad too:

  • Selecting a gluten free cheese tortellini will make this into a gluten free pasta salad. If you are serving this tortellini salad to someone with celiac disease, it would also be wise to ensure the Italian dressing you pick is gluten free.

Serving Tortellini Asparagus Salad

This easy pasta salad recipe is a great summer side salad for a variety of dishes. It can also be enjoyed as a main dish. A few serving ideas include:

  • Serve with your favorite grilled proteins. Grilled beer brats, chicken, fish, burgers, or hot dogs are all a great main to serve with summer tortellini salad.
  • Bring along to a potluck or include as one of the sides for a BBQ.
  • Bring this vegetarian pasta salad with tortellini along as a side dish for a picnic.
  • Enjoy as a light lunch or summer dinner as-is!
a serving spoon full of summer tortellini salad with Italian dressing held over a large serving bowl of tortellini salad.

Summer Tortellini Salad Tips

Cook your pasta to al dente. Since pasta absorbs liquid, cooking it to just al dente will prevent your pasta salad from becoming too soft! Overcooked pasta has the risk of turning to mush after being coated with dressing and mix-ins and sitting in the fridge to cool (or on the potluck table to serve).

How to Store

Store leftover summer tortellini salad covered or in an air-tight container in the fridge. Enjoy within 2-3 days.

Recipe FAQs

How do you keep pasta salad from getting soggy?

Cook your pasta to al dente. Since pasta absorbs liquid, cooking it to just al dente will prevent your pasta salad from becoming too soft! Overcooked pasta has the risk of turning to mush after being coated with dressing and mix-ins and sitting in the fridge to cool (or on the potluck table to serve).

Should I rinse pasta for cold pasta salad?

If using pasta for a cold pasta salad, it is ok to rinse the pasta in cold water. Doing so stops the cooking process and rinses the starchy coating off. This helps to prevent the pasta from becoming gummy and clumping together in your pasta salad.

Love This Recipe? You May Also Enjoy

  • close up of a serving dish filled high with pesto pasta salad with chicken. The bowl is surrounded by a white linen, plate of pasta, small bowl of pesto, and jar of pesto.
    Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken
  • Top-down shot of vegetarian Mediterranean Pasta Salad in a white serving bowl with a spoonful closer to the camera.
    Cold Mediterranean Pasta Salad
  • Close-up view of a green bean caprese salad in a white serving bowl.
    Green Bean and Tomato Salad
  • Close up of the summer corn salad in a large red bowl with wooden salad spoons.
    Summer Corn Salad Recipe

Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating & comment below! You can also tag @ourlovelanguageisfood on Instagram & Facebook. Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get free recipes sent directly to your inbox!

a large serving bowl filled high with summer tortellini salad with Italian dressing. A white serving spoon, white plates, and a green and white linen sit around the scene.

📖 Tortellini Asparagus Salad

Meredith
This delicious 6-ingredient summer tortellini salad recipe is super easy and always a crowd favorite! A great option for potlucks, backyard BBQs, or as a light summer meal.
5 from 9 votes
Prevent your screen from going dark
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 12 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 312 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 20oz package, cheese tortellini
  • 1 pound asparagus, snapped and cut into 1" pieces
  • 1-2 C fresh spinach, stems removed and leaves ribboned
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 3.8oz can, sliced black olives, drained
  • 8 oz Italian dressing

Instructions
 

  • Cook your cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Rinse the pasta with cold water and place it in a large bowl. If you're still chopping the other ingredients, place the bowl of pasta in the fridge to stay cool.
  • While the pasta is cooking, chop tomatoes, asparagus, spinach, and black olives (if you didn’t purchase pre-sliced olives). Set aside.
  • Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Place chopped asparagus into the boiling water until fork tender (1-2 minutes; 1min for thinner asparagus and 2min for thicker asparagus). Immediately rinse with cool water, and place asparagus with cold water and ice back into the saucepan to halt the cooking.
  • Place all of the ingredients into the large bowl with the pasta, stir to evenly coat the pasta and veggies.
  • If not enjoying right away, place the pasta salad into the fridge until ready to serve.
  • Store leftover pasta salad in the fridge. Enjoy within 2-3 days.

Notes

*Make Ahead: Tortellini salad can be prepped the day before you plan to serve.
*Storage: cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
*Recipe variations and substitutions:
  • Add a protein. Try salami, pepperoni, or pieces of grilled or shredded chicken.
  • Add more cheese. Cut up pieces of fresh mozzarella, pre-made fresh mozzarella ‘pearls’, or shredded parmesan are great additions.
  • Add in or try different vegetables: bell peppers, pepperoncini peppers, red onion, and cucumbers are all popular additions to tortellini pasta salad with Italian dressing. Customize your salad to your liking!
  • Add fresh herbs: fresh basil or parsley would be excellent in this summer pasta salad.
  • Make your own dressing: if you’d prefer homemade dressing, make your own! The dressing used on this Mediterranean Pasta Salad would be a great option.

Nutrition

Calories: 312kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 13gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 608mgPotassium: 288mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1082IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 128mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Side Dishes

  • Close up of a slice of cornbread sitting on server on top of the pan of cornbread.
    Whole Wheat Cornbread
  • Close up of a plate with zucchini fritters on it, with one of the fritters pulled through a dollop of sour cream.
    Zucchini Fritter Recipe
  • Close up of a serving spoon scooping up the homemade green bean casserole.
    Green Bean Casserole Recipe from Scratch
  • A white serving bowl filled with creamed corn, ready to serve.
    Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 9 votes (5 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    How many stars would you give this recipe?




  1. Meredith says

    May 19, 2024 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    this is a summertime favorite!!!

    Reply
  2. Vivienne says

    June 29, 2022 at 8:39 pm

    5 stars
    Love the cheese tortellini variation…I have made pasta salad forever but the cheesy tortellini is a whole new dimension. I add fresh basil! Vivienne

    Reply
    • ourlovelanguageisfood says

      June 30, 2022 at 1:09 pm

      I’m so glad you gave the tortellini version a try! Thanks so much for making my recipe.

      Reply
  3. Martha says

    June 28, 2022 at 10:13 am

    5 stars
    One of my favorites! Great on hot summer evenings!

    Reply
    • ourlovelanguageisfood says

      June 28, 2022 at 12:30 pm

      I’m so glad you love this recipe too! And totally agree, so nice on a hot day. Enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kate P. says

    June 26, 2022 at 10:39 pm

    5 stars
    This is a nice, fresh pairing to something like grilled chicken. I like to ribbon in Basil into this dish for an extra pop of flavor.

    Reply
    • ourlovelanguageisfood says

      June 27, 2022 at 1:38 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoy it, and basil is always a nice add too! Thanks for making my recipe 🙂

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Photo of Meredith, creator of Our Love Language is Food, with a cookie sheet filled with dough balls ready to bake next to a stand mixer with more cookie dough.

Hi, I'm Meredith!

I am a Midwest-based foodie and mom working full time by day and sharing my passion for all things food by night. Follow along for great recipes to share with your family and friends. I've got you covered for breakfast, dinner, snack-time, parties, desserts, drinks, and more!

About Meredith →

Cozy Recipes

  • A serving bowl filled with tuscan chicken meatballs and gnocchi topped with parmesan.
    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi
  • A serving plate with a hearty scoop of tuna casserole topped with parsley.
    Stovetop Tuna Casserole
  • a stoneware bowl filled with healthy turkey chili topped with cheese, frito chips, sour cream, and diced red bell peppers. Another bowl of chili sits in the background, along with a small bowl of cheese and bowl of fritos on a wooden board. a white linen and spoons sit in frame too.
    Easy Ground Turkey Chili
  • close up of a white bowl filled with tuscan vegetable soup. The bowl is sitting on a plate with a spoon, and slices of french bread and grated cheese is shown in the background.
    Hearty Tuscan White Bean Soup

Reader Favorites

  • Highball glass filled with this mojito mocktail recipe. The glass has a sprig of mint for garnish and a straw, and is sitting on a cutting board covered in additional mint and lime wedges.
    Mocktail Mojito
  • A full wheat germ muffin and a muffin that's cut in half with butter on a white serving plate
    Wheat Germ Muffins (Nutritious & Delicious Muffins)
  • a bowl of white chicken chili with a hand taking a spoonful of chili to eat.
    White Chicken Chili with Bacon
  • Cocoa pebbles treats cut into squares sitting in a 9x13 pan.
    Chocolate Krispie Treats (with Cocoa Pebbles or Krispies)

Let's Be Social!

Footer

↑ back to top

Explore

  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Work With Me

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

At no cost to you, as an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases from affiliate links on my website.

Copyright © 2021-2025 Our Love Language is Food LLC

Please Rate & Comment!

Your vote:




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

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.