Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe in 25 Minutes + Video

Tuscan Pasta Salad is the best potluck salad! It’s scrumptious and packed with your favorite Italian fixings. Even better, this recipe can be made and on your table in 25 minutes!  

 

Plus, it’s easy to make the tortellini salad ahead of time, for the perfect stress-free potluck side that everyone will love!

I love spring and summer for many reasons, but one of them is the foooood.  Fresh watermelon, corn on the cob and of course, pasta salads.

For a different Tuscan meal try this Tuscan chicken shepherds pie!

In my book, everyone needs the perfect potluck salad and it doesn’t get better than Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad!

Tuscan Tortellini Salad

When it comes to summer salads, this delicious pasta salad is at the top of my list. I typically make this as a side dish, but it could be a light dinner as well.

I’ve made this a bazillion times for a crowd-pleasing side during summer gatherings, and the best part is that it doesn’t take a whole lot of effort.

A little bit of meal prep and time, and that’s it! 

Now is the perfect time to make what is certain to be your new family favorite Italian pasta salad.

Sprinkle on some fresh herbs, and follow the simple steps listed on the recipe card below. You’ll be enjoying all the Italian flavors in no time at all! 

This pasta salad is loaded with cheesy tortellini, salami, mozzarella, olives, bell peppers, pepperoncini’s, tomatoes, and cucumbers then smothered in tangy, Italian Dressing.

It’s hearty, comforting, and refreshing all at the same time, and it belongs on your table all spring and summer long!!!

RECIPE VIDEO

Watch the video below to see how to make the BEST potluck salad!

 Recipe Tips

• It is important to not overcook your tortellini otherwise it will fall apart when tossed.
  
• After the pasta is drained, immediately add it to a large bowl.
  
  Then, toss it with half of the dressing to keep it from sticking. (You can use store-bought dressing or make a quick homemade vinaigrette) 
  
• This salad is excellent the next day.  
  
  When making ahead, use 1/2 of the dressing when preparing the salad and reserve the remaining dressing to pour over the salad before you serve it. 
  
• For the mozzarella, I prefer to use fresh mozzarella balls, cut into bite-size pieces.
  
  If this mozzarella is too expensive or you don’t want to make a separate trip, you can substitute mozzarella cubes, or even shredded mozzarella.

 Essentials for Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad

• Colander – this kitchen essential makes life so much easier!  You can use it to drain pasta or wash veggies and fruit.
  
• Cutting Board- A big good solid cutting board so you can prep all your veggies on one surface.  I use my cutting board daily so it’s worth the investment. 
  
• Quality Kitchen Knives- Quality knives make prep time much quicker and are important for safety as well.  
  
  If you make one kitchen investment, I believe it should be in quality knives. 

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Great Potluck Salads

Tuscan Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe in 25 Minutes + Video

Donna Elick

Tuscan Tortellini Salad is a simple potluck pasta salad with fresh Italian ingredients. This recipe can be on your table in 25 minutes!

5 stars from 6 reviews

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Method Mixed

Servings 10

Equipment

• 4-6 quart covered pot
• colander
• salad bowl
• kitchen knives

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 20 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
• ▢ 1 English cucumber, cut into quarters and sliced
• ▢ 16 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• ▢ 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
• ▢ 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
• ▢ 6 ounce can black olives, drained and halved
• ▢ 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, cut into bite size pieces
• ▢ 8 ounces salami, chopped

DRESSING

• ▢ 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic , minced
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to directions on the package.  Drain and set add to a large serving bowl.
• Meanwhile, combine dressing ingredients in a pint size mason jar. Seal and shake vigorously. Pour half of the dressing over the warm pasta and toss to combine.
• Add the remaining salad ingredients to the bowl and toss until well coated. If serving immediately then toss with remaining dressing. If serving the next day then cover and refrigerate and wait until you are ready to serve the salad before tossing with remaining dressing.

Video

Donna’s Notes

It is important to not overcook your tortellini otherwise it will fall apart when tossed.

After pasta is rinsed and drained, immediately add it to a large bowl then toss it with half of the dressing to keep it from sticking.

This Salad is excellent the next day. When making ahead, use 1/2 of the dressing when preparing the salad and reserve the remaining dressing to pour over the salad before you serve it.

For the mozzarella, I prefer to use fresh mozzarella balls, cut into bite size pieces. If this mozzarella is too expensive or you don’t want to make a separate trip, you can substitute mozzarella cubes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 465cal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 1165mg | Sugar: 4g | Fiber: 4g | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 2mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Originally published April 2018. Updated and republished July 2024

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