This tortellini pasta salad is everything you want in a summer side dish. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together. Loaded with tender cheese tortellini, savory salami, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, it’s a simple recipe that always disappears fast.

We make it just as often for lunch the next day as we do for a side dish. And honestly, I actually make this is as our main dish quite often during the summer. It’s so fast and fresh and doesn’t heat up the house. It is a winner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Summers are all about pasta salad recipes and this easy tortellini pasta salad is fresh, flavorful, perfect for hot summer days and done in just 15 minutes! Here is what you need:

• Cheese Tortellini: the hearty base that makes this salad extra satisfying
• Kosher Salt: adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks
• Mozzarella (marinated): adds a savory, salty bite
• Salami: bring creaminess and built-in flavor
• Black Olives: add a rich, salty bite that brings a classic Italian flavor to the salad
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: fresh and juicy
• Red and Orange Bell Peppers: add a sweet, crisp crunch and bright color
• English Cucumbers: add a fresh, cool crunch with a mild flavor
• Red Onion: adds a sharp bite and a little zing to balance the flavors
• Fresh Basil: bright, herby finish
• Italian Dressing: adds a tangy, herby flavor that ties everything together

How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad

Don’t blink because you might miss this…

1. Cook the tortellini: Bring a pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook until they float to the top. Drain and let cool.
2. Combine ingredients: Once cooled, add tortellini to a large bowl with salami, mozzarella (including oil and herbs), tomatoes, and basil.
3. Toss and serve: Gently toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt to taste and serve.

👉 Serve immediately or chill for later—this pasta salad is delicious either way.

Variations and Substitutions

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