This Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad is everything you want in a summer dish: fresh, colorful, satisfying, and bursting with garden goodness. It brings together tender cheese-filled tortellini, crisp vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing that ties it all together in one flavor-packed bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a cookout or prepping a quick lunch for yourself, this pasta salad is your new go-to.

What makes this salad shine is its simplicity without sacrificing taste. You can easily throw it together in under 30 minutes, and it tastes even better after a little chill time in the fridge. It balances hearty and light perfectly, making it a staple for warm days or anytime you crave fresh flavors in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

This salad hits every note: creamy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh. The cheese tortellini brings richness and chew, while the crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions add layers of brightness and snap. It’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or even as a meatless main. Plus, it holds up beautifully in the fridge, so leftovers are just as good the next day.

With a dressing that’s equal parts lemony, garlicky, and herb-filled, every bite feels like sunshine. You can customize it easily too—add in grilled chicken or toss in olives for a Mediterranean vibe.

Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Tortellini?

Absolutely! Fresh tortellini is perfect if you’re short on time since it cooks in just a few minutes. You can find it in the refrigerated section at most grocery stores. If you’re using frozen tortellini, just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions and let it cool completely before mixing into your salad. Either way, aim for cheese-filled tortellini—the creaminess pairs beautifully with the crisp vegetables and zesty dressing.

Ingredients for the Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

This salad keeps things vibrant and simple, using ingredients that are easy to find and delicious when combined. Each ingredient brings a specific texture and flavor that rounds out the dish, creating a balance between rich and refreshing.

Cheese tortellini
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber
Red onion
Bell pepper
Fresh parsley
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Garlic
Salt and pepper

The cheese tortellini provides the hearty, chewy base. Cherry tomatoes add bursts of sweetness, while cucumber brings a cooling crunch. Red onion offers a sharp bite, balanced by the crisp sweetness of bell pepper. Fresh parsley adds a clean, herbal note, and the dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic is what gives the salad its signature zing. A sprinkle of salt and pepper ties it all together.

How To Make the Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the bell pepper into small pieces. Roughly chop the fresh parsley.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, prepared vegetables, and chopped parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything gently until coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve cold and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store This Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad

This salad is a crowd-pleaser that serves about 6 people as a side dish or 3 to 4 as a main. It’s perfect for backyard BBQs, picnic spreads, or a quick lunch prep that holds up beautifully throughout the week.

For best results, serve it chilled. Once assembled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. If you’re making it ahead, keep a little extra dressing aside to refresh the salad before serving, as the pasta tends to soak up some of the moisture over time.

Avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of the tortellini and veggies won’t hold up well after thawing.

What to Serve With Garden Tortellini Pasta Salad?

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

The bright, citrusy flavor complements the zesty dressing in the pasta salad perfectly.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Light and savory, these pair wonderfully with the creamy tortellini and fresh veggies.

Crusty Garlic Bread

A slice of warm, garlicky bread makes a comforting addition and helps soak up every last drop of dressing.

Roasted Asparagus

Earthy, slightly crispy roasted asparagus adds a hearty green element to the plate.

Fresh Watermelon Slices

For a summer meal, juicy watermelon offers a sweet contrast that feels refreshing and fun.

Iced Mint Tea or Lemonade

To drink, try something light and citrusy that enhances the fresh garden vibes.

Caprese Skewers

Mozzarella, basil, and tomato on a stick—an easy, crowd-friendly option that echoes some of the pasta salad’s flavors.

Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?

If you can’t get enough of chilled, flavor-packed pasta dishes, here are some delicious favorites to explore next:

Creamy Tortellini for a rich, comforting twist on the classic.
Zesty Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta Salad if you’re looking for a bright, protein-packed option.
Spinach Pasta Salad with Feta and Cranberries for a sweet-savory combo that hits all the right notes.
Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad when you want something creamy, tangy, and picnic-perfect.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest lunch or summer board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra herbs or switch up the veggies? Maybe tossed in grilled chicken or some chickpeas? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting salads, pasta dishes, and seasonal favorites on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to bowl of deliciousness!