Name: Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz cheese tortellini; 4 oz salami; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1 cup mozzarella balls; 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts; 1 cup roasted red peppers; 1/2 cup black olives; 1/4 cup fresh basil; 1/2 cup Italian dressing

If you’re craving a pasta salad that eats like a meal, Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad is your new summer favorite. It’s vibrant, hearty, and loaded with all the best Italian deli staples: cheesy tortellini, savory salami, marinated artichokes, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Each bite is briny, bold, and beautifully satisfying.

This pasta salad brings together the comforting textures of stuffed pasta with the zesty kick of antipasto. It’s the kind of dish you bring to a cookout and leave with an empty bowl. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a weeknight dinner, or your next potluck, this salad promises to steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

It combines the best parts of a charcuterie board and a pasta salad, so you get a full-flavor experience in every forkful. It’s perfect served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for gatherings and make-ahead meals. The textures play together wonderfully: chewy tortellini, crisp peppers, tender mozzarella balls, and a zingy Italian dressing that pulls it all together.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh cheese tortellini from the refrigerated section is a great choice for this recipe, but frozen tortellini works beautifully too. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before tossing it into the salad. If you love more flavor, try spinach and cheese or even sausage-stuffed varieties for an extra punch.

Ingredients for the Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Antipasto salad ingredients are meant to be bold and flavorful. For this recipe, each component adds a pop of texture and taste that makes the whole dish shine.

Cheese tortellini – This is the heart of the salad, offering rich, cheesy bites.
Salami – Adds a savory, peppery bite that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Cherry tomatoes – They bring juiciness and a fresh burst of sweetness.
Mozzarella balls – Creamy and mild, these balance the saltiness of the other ingredients.
Marinated artichoke hearts – Tangy and tender, they add depth.
Roasted red peppers – Slightly sweet and smoky, a colorful touch.
Black olives – Briny and bold, they round out the antipasto profile.
Fresh basil – Adds herbaceous freshness.
Italian dressing – Brings everything together with zesty flavor.

How To Make the Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Chop and Prep

While the pasta cools, slice the salami into strips, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the roasted red peppers and artichokes. Tear the fresh basil if using whole leaves.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, salami, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, artichokes, roasted red peppers, olives, and basil. Pour in the Italian dressing and toss gently to coat.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marry. Give it a light toss before plating and serve cold or at room temperature.

How to Store and Serve Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad

This salad serves 6 to 8 people generously, depending on portion size. It’s excellent as a side dish or a light main course.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing overnight, just add a splash more before serving to freshen it up.

What to Serve With Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

The light char and smoky flavor complement the briny, bold salad.

Garlic Bread

Warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra dressing.

Classic Caprese Salad

Double down on Italian flavors with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

White Wine Sangria

A crisp and fruity sangria adds a refreshing sip to balance the richness.

Baked Ricotta Dip

Creamy and herbed, it’s another Italian favorite that pairs beautifully.

Roasted Asparagus

Earthy and simple, this makes a lovely side for a complete meal.

Chilled Zucchini Soup

Light and fresh, it balances the heartiness of the pasta salad.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Crispy, cheesy chicken cutlets are a satisfying main dish pairing.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you love this Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad, you’ll definitely want to try these as well:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it for potlucks, quick lunches, and all your summer gatherings.

Let me know in the comments how your version turned out. Did you go with spicy salami or keep it classic? Any extra veggies sneak their way in? I love hearing your twists and tips.

Explore beautifully curated fresh salads, pasta creations, and picnic favorites on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and get inspired for your next meal.

Conclusion

Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad is the flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish that fits right in at every summer table. With its balance of creamy, tangy, and savory notes, it’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re serving it up for a party or prepping for weekday meals, it’s a recipe worth making again and again.