Italian Tortellini Salad (One Bowl)

Quick and easy Italian tortellini salad recipe made in one pot or bowl in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients like Italian dressing, tomatoes, onions, basil.

Unlike many other salads, this one is very filling because of the tortellini pasta. Plus, it’s great to make now since the the weather is hitting the 90’s and no one wants to turn on the oven or stovetop to cook. It makes a great potluck for those Summer bbqs, just like these Stuffed Mini Peppers (One Pan) and Mini Cheese Balls (One Bowl).

Key ingredients

• Tortellini- Get the cheese or pesto kind.
• Tomatoes– Be sure to remove the seeds.
• Onions– Raw onions hold lots of flavor.
• Basil leaves- Use fresh, finely chopped.
• Italian dressing- You can do homemade or store bought.
• Salt and pepper- Adjusted to your personal preference.

Variations

• Use ranch dressing- For a different flavor profile, in place of the Italian dressing.
• Pesto- Instead of the Italian dressing, use pesto.
• Vinaigrette- Use your favorite to switch things up.
• Greek version- Use a Greek dressing instead and add in some olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
• Creamy version- Use a creamy dressing or add some cream cheese. If you enjoy this type of pasta salad, try my Creamy Avocado Pasta (One Pot), too.
• Vegetarian- Add more vegetables and use a low fat salad dressing.
• Add chicken- Including Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken or Grilled Chicken Breast (One Pan).
• Add beef- Cut into small pieces or shredded like this Instant Pot Shredded Beef.
• Include some pepperoni– You can use your favorite kind, pre-cut or not.
• Add more vegetables- Such as broccoli, spinach, artichokes, peas, fresh or sun-dried tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, or corn.
• Toss in– Some crumbled bacon or crispy fried onions.

How to make tortellini salad?

1. In a large bowl- Add in boiled tortellini pasta, tomatoes, onion, basil, and dressing.
2. Mix– Everything together.
3. Chill– And serve.

What to serve with chilled tortellini?

• Chicken– Such as chicken kabobs, grilled chicken, or Crispy Fried Chicken Bits (One Pot).
• Beef– Including Garlic Butter Steak Bites (One Pot) or beef kabobs.
• Sandwiches– Like this simple Cucumber Sandwich (One Pan) or Easy Tomato Sandwich (One Pan).
• Vegetables– Grilled vegetables, vegetable kabobs, or Oven Roasted Vegetables (One Pan).
• Light soups– Like this Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (One Pot).

Tips and techniques

• Cook to al dente- Because you don’t want soft pasta in this salad. This is true whether you buy pre-boiled tortellini or the dried tortellini you boil at home.
• Change the amounts- Of the Italian dressing, tomatoes, and onions based on your personal preference.
• Chill salad- For at least 45 minutes to 1 hour really allows all the flavors to deepen.
• Don’t heat- This is meant to be a cold salad, so don’t warm it up.
• Cool the pasta- Before adding everything together to keep everything cool.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Make ahead- Place salad in a sealed container and place in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving.
• Refrigerate– It can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer- This dish cannot be frozen.
• Reheat– This is meant to be served cold. Do not heat.

Other Salad Recipes:

• Creamy Grape Salad (One Bowl)
• Basil Pesto Pasta Salad (One Bowl)
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad (One Bowl)
• Three Bean Salad (One Bowl)
• Creamy Pea Salad (One Bowl)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Rate this Recipe »

Italian Tortellini Salad (Cold)

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Chill time: 1 hour hr

Total Time: 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Quick and easy tortellini pasta salad recipe made in one pot or bowl in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients like Italian dressing, tomatoes, onions, basil. This is a great salad for Summer bbq potlucks. 

Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound Tortellini, Boiled, Cheese or pesto flavored
• 3/4 cup Tomatoes, Remove seeds, Cut into small 1 inch pieces
• 1/3 cup Onions, Finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Basil leaves, Finely chopped
• 1 cup Italian dressing
• Salt, To taste
• Pepper, To taste

Instructions 

• In a large salad bowl, add boiled tortellini (you can use pre-boiled tortellini or buy dried tortellini and boil it at home, according to package instructions). 
• Add tomatoes, onions, basil leaves, Italian dressing, salt and pepper. 
• Mix everything together until 
• Cover in saran wrap and chill for 45 minutes to 1 hour so the flavors all marinate together. Serve cold. 

Notes

• Read all my tips above.
• Add more or less Italian dressing, based on your preference. 
• Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 234kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 21mg, Sodium: 465mg, Potassium: 61mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 165IU, Vitamin C: 2.6mg, Calcium: 87mg, Iron: 1.6mg

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 234

Author: Abeer