Easy Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe Ready in Under 30 Minutes

A Crowd-Pleasing Summer Salad with Just 10 Ingredients

73% of home cooks say pasta salads are their go-to dish for warm-weather gatherings — and this tortellini version is the reason why. With pillowy cheese tortellini, salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty Italian dressing, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and feeds a crowd for a fraction of the cost of takeout. Whether you're packing lunch for the week or hosting an outdoor dinner in Tripoli's warm evening breeze, this salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

What Makes This Recipe Special

According to Recipes From A Pantry, this tortellini pasta salad is one of those rare dishes that looks impressive but is "really just a handful of simple ingredients tossed together in one bowl." The recipe was published on June 16, 2026, and has already earned a 5-star rating from 8 reviewers. Carlsbad Cravings notes that the combination of cheesy tortellini with pepperoncinis, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a "bright and tangy" flavor profile that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You Need

  • 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen, about 16–20 ounces)
  • 6 ounces salami, diced into small cubes
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved or quartered
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/2 cup artichoke hearts (packed in water), drained and chopped
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons pickled onions
  • 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 3/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini for 1–2 minutes less than the package directions, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. This keeps the pasta firm and prevents it from turning mushy when tossed with the dressing.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, whisk together the Italian dressing in a large bowl. If making homemade dressing, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper with a tablespoon of grated Parmesan.

Step 3: Add the warm drained tortellini to the dressing along with a handful of baby spinach. Toss to coat — the residual heat gently wilts the spinach. Let it cool for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Fold in the salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and pickled onions. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil just before serving. The salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips from Experienced Cooks

According to Bintu from Recipes From A Pantry, the secret is tossing the tortellini with the dressing while it's still warm — "the pasta soaks up more flavor while it's warm, and the mozzarella stays firm instead of getting too soft." Carlsbad Cravings recommends patting artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes dry before adding them, which keeps the dressing from getting watered down. Also, setting aside some extra dressing to drizzle before serving works wonders, since tortellini absorbs liquid as it sits.

Why Libyan Home Cooks Will Love This

This salad is perfect for the Libyan kitchen — it requires no oven (essential during hot summers), uses ingredients available at most local supermarkets, and can be prepared ahead of time for iftar gatherings or family dinners. The Mediterranean flavors — olives, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and Italian herbs — align beautifully with Libyan taste preferences. You can substitute local Libyan salami or even add roasted red peppers and chickpeas for a regional twist. At roughly 250–300 calories per serving, it's a satisfying yet light option for warm evenings.

Make It Your Own

This versatile recipe belongs in every home cook's summer rotation — LibyaPress / Women's Desk