Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant, and utterly crave-worthy dish, you’re going to love this Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad. It blends tender cheese-filled tortellini with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives, all tossed in a zesty, herb-packed dressing. This salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser yet simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner or a picnic-ready side. Let me walk you through bringing this delicious Mediterranean-inspired marvel to your table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad are simple pantry staples and fresh produce that work together to deliver incredible texture, flavor, and color. Each element is essential for building layers of taste, from creamy feta to bright red onions and the perfectly seasoned dressing.

• 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini: The star pasta that offers a delightful, cheesy bite in every forkful.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1 cup diced cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch to balance the salad.
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced: Brings a signature salty tang essential to Greek flavors.
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and a bright pop of red.
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and texture contrast.
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, it elevates the salad with authentic Mediterranean flair.
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbal brightness that ties the flavors together.
• 3 tbsp olive oil: The base of the dressing, enriching each bite with silky smoothness.
• 1½ tbsp red wine vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the richness and brighten the salad.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: For a subtle kick and creamy emulsification in the dressing.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Classic herb that delivers that unmistakable Greek flavor.
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Adds mild savory depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to tie all components together.

How to Make Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by boiling the cheese-filled tortellini according to the package instructions until perfectly tender yet still firm to the bite. Then, drain and rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking and cool them down. This quick chilling step is key to a refreshing salad texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple but flavorful dressing is packed with Mediterranean notes and will beautifully coat every piece of tortellini and vegetable.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and toss together the cooled tortellini with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh parsley. Each ingredient adds its own textural or flavor dimension, creating a mouthwatering harmony.

Step 4: Dress and Chill

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until every bit is evenly coated. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the dressing to infuse and the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it cold or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad

Garnishes

To dress up your Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad, sprinkle extra crumbled feta or fresh mint leaves on top just before serving. These little touches not only look delightful but bring an added layer of aroma and creaminess that will impress your guests.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or lamb skewers for a full Mediterranean feast. Alternatively, enjoy it alongside warm pita bread and hummus to round out a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or on a bed of baby spinach can make it a show-stopping side or appetizer. For parties, portion it into individual mason jars for an effortlessly stylish presentation that’s both practical and pretty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it handy for quick lunches or snacks during a busy week.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled; because of the fresh vegetables and dressing, freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture and flavor of the ingredients.

Reheating

Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, simply bring it to room temperature before serving, but keep in mind the refreshing crispness that chilling provides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese-filled tortellini gives this salad its signature richness, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or farfalle if preferred. Just be sure to cook and cool the pasta properly before mixing.

Is this salad gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses regular tortellini, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortellini or substitute with gluten-free pasta shapes available at most grocery stores.

How long can I prepare this salad in advance?

Ideally, prepare and dress the salad about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. You can chop and prep the veggies ahead, but toss everything together last minute for peak freshness.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make fantastic additions that turn this Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad into a satisfying main course.

What’s the best way to keep vegetables crisp?

To maintain crispness, add ingredients like cucumbers and bell peppers just before serving or after chilling. Keeping the vegetables cold and avoiding overdressing helps preserve their refreshing texture.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad a try because it’s a salad that checks all the boxes — fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s one of those delicious, fuss-free dishes that feels like a little Mediterranean getaway with every bite. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family as much as I do!