A burst of summer in every bite, this Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad is everything you love about fresh seasonal vegetables paired with the comforting bite of cheese-filled tortellini. It’s vibrant, colorful, and loaded with bold flavors from juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, sweet red onions, and a sprinkle of herbs that tie everything together beautifully.

Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just a refreshing weeknight meal, this salad brings together the heartiness of pasta with the brightness of a garden harvest. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it’s a dish that satisfies without being too heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Fresh and Flavorful: Packed with crisp veggies and herby goodness.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Versatile: Great as a main dish or a side.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors deepen when it sits a bit in the fridge.
Kid-Approved: Cheese tortellini makes it fun and tasty for all ages.

Ingredients for the Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Each ingredient in this salad adds its own pop of flavor and texture. Here’s why they’re essential:

Cheese Tortellini – The heart of the dish. These little pasta pillows add richness and a satisfying bite.
Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, they burst with summer freshness.
Cucumber – Brings a cool, crisp crunch to every forkful.
Red Onion – Adds sharpness and color; best when thinly sliced.
Mozzarella Cubes – Mild, creamy, and a perfect complement to the tortellini.
Italian Dressing – The zingy, herbaceous element that ties everything together.
Fresh Basil or Parsley – Brightens up the entire dish with a touch of freshness.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but adds a nice kick if you like a little heat.

How To Make the Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While the tortellini cooks, slice the cherry tomatoes in halves, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and cube the mozzarella.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with all the chopped vegetables and mozzarella. Drizzle with Italian dressing and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Season and Chill

Add fresh herbs and red pepper flakes if using. Give it a taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Serve and Store Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings or easy meal prepping. It feeds about 6 people as a side dish or 4 as a main course.

To store, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir and, if needed, add a splash of extra dressing to freshen it up.

What to Serve With Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Grilled Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken adds a lean protein element, making this a more filling meal.

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside and buttery soft inside, garlic bread pairs beautifully with the herbaceous flavors of the salad.

Lemon Herb Salmon

Light and citrusy salmon complements the zesty dressing and fresh veggies.

Caprese Skewers

For a fun and fresh appetizer, serve skewers of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil alongside the salad.

Roasted Vegetables

Warm roasted veggies add a cozy contrast to the chilled pasta.

Classic Burgers

For a casual cookout, this salad is a refreshing counterpart to grilled burgers.

Fresh Fruit Platter

A colorful medley of fruits rounds out the meal on a naturally sweet note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours. Just give it a toss before serving.

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works great. Just cook according to package instructions and let it cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients.

What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to mix in bell peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, or even blanched broccoli for extra crunch and flavor.

Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the tortellini is cheese-filled and the dressing is meat-free, this is a great vegetarian option.

How can I make this salad more filling?
Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts to make it heartier.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner or salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a different dressing or add extra veggies? I love hearing how others put their spin on this! Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smart and eat fresh.

Conclusion

Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of fresh and satisfying. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to dish for any season, especially when you crave something light yet comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this pasta salad brings sunshine to your table with every bite.