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Home » Salads

Creamy Tortellini Pasta Salad

Published: Aug 25, 2021 · Modified: Oct 23, 2024 by Paula · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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Packed with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, tangy lemon and Greek yogurt, this delicious Creamy Tortellini Pasta Salad is perfect for any picnic, potluck, or packed lunch.

a bowl of tortellini salad on a blue table.

Pasta salad is always a fan favourite. But this Tortellini Pasta Salad, with big hearty bundles of stuffed pasta, the creamy dressing, and a generous dose of fresh herbs and tomatoes delivers tooth-sinkable bites that are next-level. 

What you need to make this Tortellini Pasta Salad

Tortellini: Store-bought is great for this. Choose whichever filling suits your mood, but I usually reach for a cheese-filled one for this recipe.

Cherry tomatoes: The main reason this is called “Summer” Tortellini Salad is that that’s when the tomatoes are best. The little halves of cherry tomatoes in this salad offer the perfect little bursts of juiciness.

Red onions: A little oniony flavour and crunch are perfect in this salad.

Fresh herbs: Dill and parsley, in equal measure. 

Greek yogurt: Or any yogurt, as long as it’s really thick. If you’re using regular yogurt, be sure to strain it first to remove the excess liquid—otherwise, your dressing will be too runny.

Olive oil: Extra virgin—for flavour and silky texture.

Garlic: The fresher the better! This salad should pack a punch.

Lemon: I only use the juice here, but if you want a more pronounced lemon flavour, you could include the zest too.

Salt: For flavour

Feta cheese: Optional, but I can’t resist a little crumble on top!

close up of a summer tortellini salad with feta cheese.

How to make this salad

This Creamy Tortellini Pasta Salad is super easy and quick, and you only need one pot and one bowl to make it. Here are the steps:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season well with salt, and boil the tortellini according to the package instructions.
  2. Drain the tortellini and rinse well with cold water to stop the cooking and set aside. 
  3. Add the minced garlic, lemon, yogurt, olive oil, and salt to a large bowl and whisk together until smooth.
  4. Slice the onions, halve the tomatoes, roughly chop the parsley and dill, and add to the bowl with the dressing. 
  5. Add the cooled, drained tortellini and toss well to combine. 
  6. Taste for seasoning, and finish with a crumble of feta if you like. 

Success tips

  • Resist the urge to cook the tortellini al dente. It needs to be cooked thoroughly so the filling cooks properly and the pasta is tender. It will firm up somewhat after it cools. 
  • Choose high-quality tortellini if you can find it. Cheese-filled works best, but if you can find a ricotta and spinach or goat cheese-filled one, even better. 
  • Use the best, ripest cherry tomatoes and the freshest herbs you can find! This salad should taste like the peak of summer, and using seasonal ingredients is a great way to get there!

What goes well with this Tortellini Pasta Salad?

This salad is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own, but I also love it alongside a whole bunch of other salads. Fresh green leafy ones, beany ones, a real salad bar experience.

This salad also goes really well with grilled fish, chicken, or a juicy steak. Its also the ideal salad to bring to a potluck or a picnic!

A bowl of tortellini salad with a chunk of crusty bread.

Storage tips

This salad is perfect when eaten right away, but can be stored for up to three days in the fridge. The garlic will become stronger in flavour as it sits, which can either be a pro or a con, depending on how much of a garlic lover you are. 

Because I like this salad to be as fresh as possible, I like to eat it right away. Or, if I’m planning ahead, I’ll prep all the ingredients ahead of time and toss them together within an hour or so of when I want to eat it. 

Summer tortellini salad with a bowl of cherry tomatoes on the side.

Frequently asked questions

Does this have to be made with tortellini? Can I use another kind of pasta? 

Use whatever pasta you want! Just don’t call it tortellini salad (obvs). 

What if I can’t find Greek yogurt?

You can make something very similar by straining regular yogurt. Here is a great article that explains the process.

I’m not a fan of raw onion. Can I leave it out?

You can! Or if you prefer a milder onion flavour, you can use green onions or chives instead.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Sure! Just substitute the Greek yogurt for vegan Greek yogurt, and seek out some vegan tortellini!

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

You sure can! Unlike certain other herbs, dill dries really well. Tip: Dil also freezes well, so you can buy a few bunches when its in season, chop it, and freeze it in a ziploc bag!

Still hungry?

Here are some more easy recipes you might like:

  • The Summer Spaghetti that changed my life
  • Coconut Corn Chowder
  • Summer Fish Stew
A large bowl of tortellini salad with a bowl of cherry tomatoes on a blue table.

Creamy Tortellini Pasta Salad

Packed with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, tangy lemon and Greek yogurt, this delicious Creamy Tortellini Pasta Salad is perfect for any picnic, potluck, or packed lunch.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Additional Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Salads
Cuisine Summer
Servings 4
Calories 243 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package cheese tortellini 350-400g
  • 1 pint cherry toms halved
  • ½ bunch dill chopped
  • ½ bunch parsley chopped
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced

For The Dressing

  • ½ tsp salt
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 150 g Greek or strained yogurt

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season well with salt, and boil the tortellini according to the package instructions.
  • Drain the tortellini and rinse well with cold water to stop the cooking and set aside. 
  • Add the minced garlic, lemon, yogurt, olive oil, and salt to a large bowl and whisk together until smooth.
  • Slice the onions, halve the tomatoes, roughly chop the parsley and dill, and add to the bowl with the dressing. 
  • Add the cooled, drained tortellini and toss well to combine. 
  • Taste for seasoning, and finish with a crumble of feta if you like.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 6gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 437mgFiber: 3gSugar: 21g
Keyword pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Comments

  1. Alli says

    May 16, 2023 at 7:40 pm

    5 stars
    huge hit! my new potluck go-to. thanks buddy!

    Reply
5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Welcome!

Hey! I'm Paula. I'm a former pro cook that makes recipes and videos for deliciously non-fussy dinners (and sometimes breakfast, lunch, dessert, and snacks!)

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A large bowl of tortellini salad with a bowl of cherry tomatoes on a blue table.

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