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Delicious Tortellini Salad Recipe: A Perfect Picnic Dish

Tortellini Salad

This tortellini salad is a vibrant, make-ahead-friendly dish packed with cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, white beans, arugula, and a zesty Italian dressing—perfect for picnics, lunches, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 18 ounces cheese tortellini or vegan tortellini
  • 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup cooked white beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 5 pepperoncini, stemmed and chopped
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • 1 cup fresh basil, torn, plus more for garnish
  • Parmesan or pecorino cheese, optional
  • Red pepper flakes, optional
  • For the Dressing:
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, artichokes, white beans, red onion, and pepperoncini.
  4. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently to combine.
  5. Add arugula and torn basil, toss again.
  6. Adjust seasoning. Add Parmesan or pecorino, red pepper flakes, and more dressing if desired.
  7. Garnish with extra basil and serve.

Notes

For best flavor, let the salad chill for 30 minutes before serving. Make it vegan with plant-based tortellini and dairy-free cheese!

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini salad, picnic salad, pasta salad, Italian pasta salad