Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad
This Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is a bright, refreshing, and satisfying twist on a classic! Cheesy tortellini is tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, tangy feta, and a zesty homemade Greek dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or an easy meal prep lunch—it’s quick to make and full of Mediterranean flavor.
Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 15–30 minutes
Total Time: 20–40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
18 oz (500g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
For the Greek Dressing:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Tortellini:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, bell pepper, and feta cheese.
Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Chill or Serve:
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Best Results
Cook Tortellini Just Until Tender:
Overcooked tortellini can fall apart—follow the package directions and rinse with cold water immediately to stop the cooking.
Use Fresh Ingredients:
Crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and good-quality olives and feta make a huge difference in flavor and texture.
Let It Chill (If You Can):
While it can be eaten right away, chilling for 15–30 minutes allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Toss Gently:
Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking the tortellini or crushing the feta.
Serve Cold or Room Temp:
This salad tastes great cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks or picnics.
Make Ahead Friendly:
You can make it up to a day in advance—just hold off on adding the feta and fresh herbs until just before serving for the best texture.
Tasty Variations to Try
Add Protein:
Mix in grilled chicken, chickpeas, shrimp, or even thinly sliced salami for a heartier meal.
Use a Different Dressing:
Try tzatziki dressing, creamy Greek yogurt dressing, or even a lemon-basil vinaigrette for a twist.
Add Greens:
Toss in a handful of spinach, arugula, or chopped romaine for extra freshness and crunch.
Make It Vegan:
Use vegan tortellini (many are now available), dairy-free feta, and adjust the dressing with maple syrup instead of Dijon if needed.
Olive Upgrade:
Try a mix of green olives and Kalamata for more variety and visual appeal.
Add Roasted Veggies:
Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or red onions add warmth and a caramelized depth to the cold salad.
Stuffed Tortellini Twist:
Use spinach & ricotta tortellini or sun-dried tomato-filled tortellini for extra flavor variation.
Q&A – Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh or refrigerated?
Yes, absolutely! Just cook according to package directions, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Make sure not to overcook it.
Q2: Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up well for 2–3 days in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a quick toss before serving.
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free tortellini (available in some stores) and substitute the feta with a vegan alternative or simply omit it.
Q4: How can I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Don’t overdress it and avoid overcooking the tortellini. You can also add juicy ingredients like cucumbers or tomatoes right before serving.
Q5: Can I make the dressing in advance?
Definitely! The dressing can be made up to 3–5 days in advance and stored in the fridge in a sealed jar.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per Serving – Serves 6)
Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Sodium: 540mg
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 8% DV
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 20% DV
Note: Values will vary depending on specific tortellini, feta, and dressing used.
Final Conclusion
This Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of rich Italian pasta and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. It’s refreshing, colorful, and satisfying enough to serve as a main dish or side at any gathering. With juicy tomatoes, briny olives, crisp veggies, creamy feta, and cheesy tortellini tossed in a zesty Greek vinaigrette—it’s a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Quick to prep and endlessly customizable, it’s a smart choice for meal prep, potlucks, picnics, or any time you want a fresh twist on pasta salad. Serve it chilled, and watch it disappear!