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Tortellini Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

This easy and refreshing Tortellini Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing is packed with fresh veggies, cheesy tortellini, and bold herby flavor.
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Prep Time:8 minutes
Cook Time:2 minutes
Total Time:10 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Keyword: Italian tortellini salad, summer salad, tortellini pasta salad
Servings: 8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 20-ounce bag cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup basil pesto or Italian dressing
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes sliced in half
  • 1 12-ounce container marinated mozzarella balls, drained
  • ¼ cup red onion diced

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  • Add the tortellini and cook for 1½ minutes only (ignore package instructions).
  • Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked and cooled tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella balls, and pesto or Italian dressing.
  • Toss everything together until evenly coated.
  • Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
  • Swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes or bell peppers for variation.
  • Best served cold or at room temperature—do not reheat.
  • Pesto and dressing can be adjusted to taste.
  • Pairs well with sandwiches, grilled meats, or fresh fruit.