Go Back
–+ servings
Fresh tortellini salad

Fresh Tortellini Salad: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Delight

This fresh tortellini salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines creamy dressing, cheese tortellini, and savory meats, making it perfect for any gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise full-fat provides the best texture
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder fresh garlic can be used for a punchier taste
  • to taste black pepper adjust based on spice preference
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano fresh oregano can be substituted
  • to taste red pepper flakes increase for a hotter twist
  • to taste kosher salt enhances overall flavor
Salad
  • 3 cups cheese tortellini cook and cool for best texture
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoncini jalapeños can be used or omitted
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano works too
  • ½ cup diced red onion green onions can be substituted
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes diced cucumbers can be used in summer
  • to taste pepperoni, salami, deli ham chickpeas for a vegetarian option

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • airtight container

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add 3 cups of cooled cheese tortellini to the dressing, gently folding in with a spatula to coat evenly without breaking them.
  3. Fold in 1 cup of sliced pepperoncini, ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese, ½ cup of diced red onion, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Mix carefully to maintain texture.
  4. Cover the bowl with wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Remove from the refrigerator, give it a gentle stir, and add a splash of olive oil or vinegar if it seems dry. Serve in a large bowl garnished with parmesan or fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chill for at least 1 hour to enhance flavors. Best when prepared a day in advance without fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!