Mom's famous tortellini salad is the best combination of cheese tortellini, sliced red peppers, kalamata olives and a few other simple ingredients tossed in Robusto Italian dressing and served cold.

Mom’s Famous Tortellini Salad

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

This is my Mom’s famous tortellini salad recipe that my family grew up on and still eat to this very day. When I say famous, I mean specifically within my family although it has made a little splash on social media since I've shared it. My mother has made this pasta salad for almost every single party and family get together since I was a just little kid.

Every time she's served this to people who have never tried it before they always ask for the recipe without fail. This is such a fantastic recipe to make for so many different occasions. This is so incredibly easy to put together, too. It also requires very little effort and minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to make this delicious pasta salad. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.

Tri Colored Spiral Pasta- Adds color, texture and absorbs the dressing for lots of flavor.
Cheese Tortellini- Brings the perfect amount of cheese and makes this salad filling and hearty.
Red Bell Pepper- Adds color, freshness and crunch.
Red Onion- Brightens the salad and adds crunch and texture.
Pitted Kalamata Olives- Brings a saltiness and falvor that contrasts the pasta and feta beautifully.
Fresh Feta Cheese- Adds a creamy, mild distinct cheesy flavor.
16 Oz bottle of Robusto Italian Dressing- The perfect dressing that adds lots of zesty flavor and seasoning.
Oregano- Adds fresh, Italian flavor.

How To Make It

Heres how to make this perfect side salad. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.

First, in a large bowl, add the cooked tortellini, spiral pasta, red onion and bell pepper. Pour over the Robusto Italian Dressing and mix everything together until its evenly combined.

PRO TIP: Be sure to rinse the pasta under cold water when its done cooking. This will stop the cooking process and prevent them from being over done and mushy.

Cover it, and place it into the fridge to marinate for at least three hours or up to over night.

NOTE: Don't skip this step. The pasta salad should sit for in the fridge to let all the favors combine and marinate.

tortellini salad covered and going in the fridge to marinate

When its ready to serve, add in the oregano, feta cheese and olives. Finally, toss everything together until its evenly combined. Serve cold and enjoy!

PRO TIP: Make sure to get fresh feta cheese and crumble it off the block and a void the pre crumbled kind. It will be much creamier and you'll get a much better result.

NOTE: Wait until now to add the olives because they will stain the pasta if they are added too early and leave a black mark on it. It's completely fine to eat but just doesn't look that great.

Can This Be Made Ahead Of Time?

Yes, absolutely it can be. Its even better when it sits in the fridge and absorbs all those delicious flavors. Make this up to a day ahead and add the oregano, feta and olives right before serving.

What Can I Serve This With?

I love this pasta salad for barbecues, cookouts and summer parties because it goes so well with hot dogs, hamburgs and just about anything that comes off the grill. It goes great with a regular lunch sandwich, too!

Do I Have To Use Robusto Dressing?

The Robusto Italian dressing adds so much flavor but regular Italian dressing would do the trick, too.

Storage

Place the pasta salad in a food safe air tight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to three days.