15-Minute Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

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15-Minute Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

This quick tortellini pasta salad is a simple and no fuss recipe that you can throw together in 15 minutes or less. Perfect as a fast side, main dish, or quick lunch, this cold cheese tortellini salad is packed with roasted and fresh veggies, salami, and flavorful Italian dressing.

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Chilling time (recommended)1

Total Time1 15

Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cold tortellini salad, pasta salad recipe

Servings:

Author: Sarah Cook

Equipment

Ingredients

20 oz cheese tortellini
3/4 cup Italian salad dressing
2 tbsp pesto
1 cup roasted asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces {see notes}
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup sliced olives
1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 cup pepperoni or salami, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions

Cook tortellini in salted boiling water according to the instructions on the package (usually 3-7 minutes depending on the brand).
20 oz cheese tortellini
Drain tortellini and rinse with cold water.

Using cold water halts the cooking process and leaves you with al dente tortellini instead of overcooked ones.

In a large mixing bowl, add pesto and salad dressing and whisk until combined.
3/4 cup Italian salad dressing, 2 tbsp pesto
Add all the other ingredients to the bowl, including the cooked/cooled tortellini, and stir gently to combine.
1 cup roasted asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced, 1/4 cup sliced olives, 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half, 1/2 cup pepperoni or salami, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 20 oz cheese tortellini
Allow salad to sit in the fridge for 1+ hours before serving.

Notes

I roasted my asparagus in the air fryer at 390˚F for 7 minutes. You can also grill it, roast it in the oven, or sub in your favorite seasonal vegetables.
This recipe serves ~3-4 if you’re using this as a main dish, or ~6-8 if you want it as a side.
A serrated bread or cheese knife makes the cleanest cuts for slicing the small tomatoes in half.
Nutrition values are an estimate only.

Homemade Italian Dressing

Combine: 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp white or red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp dried tarragon, (optional) pinch of red pepper flakes.

Nutrition