Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe

I decided to recreate the famous Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe at home, and I’m so glad I did! It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for just about any occasion, from summer barbecues to a quick weeknight meal.

I love how the cheesy tortellini pairs with savory salami and fresh veggies, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s become my go-to recipe when I need something delicious and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

This salad is so satisfying and comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a staple in my meal prep rotation.

Ingredients

To get that authentic taste, it’s all about using fresh and flavorful components. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious salad to life.

• 19-ounce package frozen tricolored tortellini pasta: Using frozen tortellini is a great time-saver, and the tri-color version adds a nice visual pop to the salad.
• 4 ounces canned black olives: I prefer to buy them pre-sliced to save on prep time, but halving them yourself works just as well.
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of sweetness and acidity. Halving them helps release their juices into the salad.
• 4 ounces salami: Sliced salami provides a rich, savory, and meaty bite that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese pearls: These are a game-changer. They’re the perfect size and save you from having to cube a block of mozzarella.
• 1 cup Italian dressing: You can use your favorite store-bought brand or follow the simple recipe below for a fresh, homemade version.

Note: This recipe makes about 8 one-cup servings, perfect for a family meal or small gathering.

Variations

One of the best things about this salad is how easily you can adapt it. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Vegetarian-Friendly: Simply leave out the salami for a delicious meat-free version. You could add marinated artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for a similar savory element.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick of heat.
• Herbaceous Boost: Toss in a handful of fresh basil or parsley right before serving. The fresh herbs will brighten up all the flavors in the salad.
• Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, you could also crumble in some feta or add shaved Parmesan for a saltier, sharper flavor.

Cooking Time

This recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. Here’s a quick breakdown of the timing.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

You won’t need any specialized tools for this recipe, just a few kitchen essentials.

• Large Pot: For boiling the tortellini until they are perfectly tender.
• Colander: To drain the cooked pasta and rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process.
• Large Bowl: You’ll need a spacious bowl to toss all the ingredients together without making a mess.
• Whisk: If you’re making the dressing from scratch, a whisk will help you emulsify the oil and vinegar.

How to Make Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe?

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and flavorful pasta salad that’s sure to be a hit.

Cook the Tortellini

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually for about 3-5 minutes. It’s a good idea to taste one to ensure it’s cooked through. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cool water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down so it doesn’t melt the cheese.

Combine the Ingredients

Transfer the cooled tortellini to your large mixing bowl. Now, it’s time to add all the other delicious components. Gently add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, mozzarella pearls, and salami to the bowl with the pasta.

Dress and Toss the Salad

If you are making the dressing from scratch, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and seasonings in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together until the tortellini and veggies are evenly coated in the zesty dressing.

Chill and Serve

You can serve the pasta salad immediately, or for the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to marinate and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just give it another quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over the times I’ve made this, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take this salad from good to great.

• I always rinse the tortellini under cold water. It not only stops the cooking but also prevents the salad from becoming gummy.
• Don’t be shy with the dressing. I find that the pasta absorbs a lot of it as it sits, so I sometimes add an extra splash right before serving to freshen it up.
• Letting it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge really makes a difference. I’ve noticed the flavors are so much more developed when I give it time to marinate.
• I like to use a mix of both green and black olives for more color and a slightly different briny flavor.

How to Serve Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe?

Serve it chilled in a large bowl as a standout side dish at your next barbecue or picnic. For a more formal presentation, you can portion it into individual cups or jars. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra mozzarella pearls on top to make it look even more appealing. It also works wonderfully as a light lunch or a simple, no-fuss dinner.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general overview of the nutritional content for one serving of this salad.

• Calories: 309 kcal
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 28g

Make Ahead and Storage

This is a fantastic recipe to prepare in advance, saving you time on the day you plan to serve it.

Make Ahead

You can make this salad up to 24 hours in advance. For the best results, toss the ingredients together but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Refrigerating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, so it often tastes even better the next day.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If it seems a little dry after being stored, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of extra Italian dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This copycat recipe is bound to become a new favorite for so many reasons.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for a last-minute meal or side dish without any fuss.
• Crowd-Pleaser Flavor: The combination of cheese tortellini, salami, and fresh vegetables is a classic that appeals to almost everyone.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores beautifully in the fridge for a few days, making it an excellent option for grab-and-go lunches.
• Incredibly Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses to make it your own.
• Budget-Friendly: Making this popular salad at home is much more cost-effective than buying it pre-made, and you control the quality of the ingredients.