Zesty Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad

This Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad is the ultimate mashup of bold Italian flavors and easy-to-make pasta salad perfection. Loaded with cheese-stuffed tortellini, crisp veggies, savory meats, olives, and a tangy Italian dressing, it’s a vibrant, satisfying side dish that doubles as a main course. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight meals, this pasta salad is always a hit. Make it ahead and let the flavors mingle—it only gets better with time!

The ingredients for this pasta salad recipe can be easily purchased at your local grocery store. Expect rave reviews from the whole family with this Italian pasta salad. It’s a great side dish that you can proudly bring to a potluck or backyard barbecue.

Kitchen Tips

• Do note that the Pepper Jack cheese featured in this recipe is a spicy alternative to Monterey Jack cheese. If it is not available in your area, Provolone cheese or another semi-soft white cheese, such as fresh mozzarella, can be used as an alternative.
• In this recipe, Kraft Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing was used. As there are different personal preferences for dressing, I have also provided a tasty recipe below.

Ingredients for Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad

(Optional) Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients

• ½ c. extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ c. balsamic vinegar
• 2 t. maple syrup
• 1 t. Dijon mustard
• 2 t. shallot, finely minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

*Can use bottled dressing instead (Kraft Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing), see the note above.

Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad Ingredients

• 20 oz. refrigerated tortellini
• 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 c. fresh arugula
• 4 oz. pepperoni, cut into small chunks
• 2 T. fresh basil, sliced
• 4 oz. Pepper Jack or other white cheese, cut into chunks
• 1 c. black olives, cut in half
• 1 c. grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/3 c. balsamic vinaigrette, divided
• 3 T. Parmesan cheese, shaved

Supplies used

• Large white bowl

We have affiliate relationships which means we may earn a small referral commission at no additional cost to you if you shop using our affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Make Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad

#1. Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette by combining all ingredients in a salad shaker or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cover and shake vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Set aside.

#2. Prepare pasta according to package directions or until it’s al dente. Note: To prevent sticking, add a small amount of olive oil to the cooking water. Rinse and drain the vegetables well, then place them in a large bowl.

#3. Add the fresh arugula, basil, Pepper Jack cheese, pepperoni, olives, and cherry or grape tomatoes. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and drizzle half the balsamic vinaigrette dressing on top. Gently fold the ingredients together with a spoon until thoroughly combined.

#4. To serve, transfer the salad to a large serving bowl and top with shaved Parmesan cheese. Add more if you want extra cheesiness. Drizzle a light amount of the remaining dressing over the top. Enjoy!

What Can You Serve with this Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad?

This good pasta salad is a perfect side dish to any of these main dish recipes:

• BBQ Chicken
• Italian Pinwheels
• Fried Chicken
• Easy Crispy Pan-Fried Pork Chops
• Lemon and Rosemary Roasted Chicken

Try My Other Favorite Salads

• Seared Swordfish Salad
• Peach Blackberry Salad
• Deconstructed Waldorf Salad
• Chicken Paillard Salad [Gluten-Free]
• Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
• Classic Salad with Spinach and Warm Bacon Dressing

Kitchen Gadgets To Make Cooking Easy

See highly rated kitchen gadgets in my Amazon Store! Our favorite time-saving kitchen gadgets are also on my Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sign Up for Our Email List

Have more delicious recipes like this Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad sent straight to your inbox! We also share lifestyle ideas for shopping, travel, pets & more. We would love to connect with you.

Sign up for our emails and know we respect your privacy and will never share your email with anyone else.

Our Latest Recipes

• Rosemary Garlic Potatoes
• Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs
• Orange Sweet Chili-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
• Air Fryer Truffle Potato Wedges with Parmesan

Want to remember this? PIN it for Later!

Don’t forget to share this Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad recipe with your friends and loved ones. If you are on social media, I would love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter. Just click on the links to visit my profile. Leave a message and I will follow you back!

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments! Click here to see all my recipes.

Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad

Lori

This Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad is one of the best pasta salad recipes I've tried. It's different from the typical mayo pasta salad recipes, but will surely be a huge hit at family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4 to 6

Ingredients

  

(Optional) Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients

• ½ c. extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ c. balsamic vinegar
• 2 t. maple syrup
• 1 t. Dijon mustard
• 2 t. shallot , finely minced
• Salt and black pepper , to taste
• *Can use bottled dressing instead Kraft Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing, see note above.

Tortellini Antipasto Pasta Salad Ingredients

• 20 oz. refrigerated tortellini
• 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 c. fresh arugula
• 4 oz. pepperoni , cut into small chunks
• 2 T. fresh basil , sliced
• 4 oz. Pepper Jack , cut into chunks (or other white cheese)
• 1 c. black olives , cut in half
• 1 c. grape or cherry tomatoes , cut in half
• Sea salt and black pepper , to taste
• 1/3 c. balsamic vinaigrette , divided
• 3 T. Parmesan cheese , shaved

Instructions

 

• Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette by combining all ingredients in a salad shaker or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Cover and shake vigorously until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
• Prepare pasta according to package directions or until it's al dente. Note: Add olive oil to the cooking water as instructed to prevent sticking. Rinse and drain well, and place in a large bowl.
• Add the fresh arugula, basil, Pepper Jack cheese, pepperoni, olives, and cherry or grape tomatoes. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and drizzle half the balsamic vinaigrette dressing on top. Gently fold the ingredients together with a spoon until thoroughly combined.
• To serve, transfer the salad to a large serving bowl and top with shaved Parmesan cheese. Add more if you want extra cheesiness. Put on a light drizzle of the remaining dressing. Enjoy!

Keyword Salad, Side Dish