Tortellini Pasta Salad with Balsamic Dressing

This perfect pasta salad is filled with fresh flavors, crisp vegetables, and cheesy tortellini. Use this easy tortellini pasta salad with balsamic dressing for your next cook out, pot luck, or summer side dish. There is nothing easier to prep ahead of time and pull out to feed a crowd.

Tortellini pasta salad with balsamic dressing

Cheese filled tortellini is the base of this pasta salad. Red tomato sauce or pesto is commonly served on tortellini. Instead, a tasty balsamic dressing covers this pasta salad. The fresh vegetables including tomatoes and cucumbers add flavor and crunch. The mozzarella cheese is one of the most beloved components and my kids are typically plucking them out as I prepare this dish.

How to make this recipe

1. Cook your tortellini: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add your tortellini and cook according to package directions (typically it only requires a SHORT 3-4 minute cook time)
2. Make your balsamic dressing: Combine olive oil, balsamic dressing, and Italian seasoning together in a mason jar or small bowl. Shake or whisk to combine
3. Drain tortellini and while still in strainer, run under cold water to cool the pasta down. Be mindful the pasta can be delicate and break open so do not use high pressure water.
4. Prep your vegetables: Peel and chop your cucumber into half moon shapes. Chop your cherry tomatoes in half.
5. Place the cooked tortellini in a large bowl (at least 2.5 qt.)
6. Add in mozzarella mini pearls, cucumbers, and tomatoes
7. Pour dressing onto the pasta salad and toss to coat all the ingredients in it
   

What balsamic dressing goes well in pasta salad?

This EASY homemade dressing consists of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and dried Italian seasoning

How much does this pasta salad serve?

This pasta salad makes about 9 servings (1 cup per serving). It fills an entire 2.5 qt bowl. I’ve brought it to several potluck events and it always makes enough. This dish stores well so you can make it for meal prep and eat throughout the week.

Why you will love this recipe

It is quick to prepare and can be prepared ahead of time. If you are feeding a crowd or need to prep a dish to easily pull out of the fridge, this is it! The pasta salad tastes great after it has chilled in the fridge for awhile. If you have a lot going on in the kitchen, prep and store this for later. Additionally, it is a very versatile side dish and goes well with many main courses.

Substitution Suggestions

Tortellini pasta -> Rotini pasta (The tricolor kind is fun!)

Homemade dressing -> Store-bought Italian dressing

Cucumbers -> Bell peppers or red onion

Mozzarella cheese -> Feta cheese

Equipment needed

• Large serving bowl: At least 2.5 quarts . This bowl is the one pictured in the recipe
• Serving spoon

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FAQ

How to store leftovers? Store in the fridge in an airtight container up to 4 days. This pasta salad makes for great leftovers. Just give it a big stir as the dressing likes to settle at the bottom

Do you have to refrigerate before serving? I have served it right away and after refrigerating. Both are great!

Need other tasty side dish options? You will love these recipes!

• Green Beans with Lemon
• Sauteed Green Beans with Bacon and Onion
  

How to make this recipe gluten free or egg free

Sub the tortellini out for your favorite gluten free pasta! If you are looking for an egg free pasta, i would recommend rotini for this recipe. I have not found an egg free tortellini that I can buy at the store. If you have found one, leave the information in the comments!