Tortellini Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious side dish that everyone will love, this Tortellini Pasta Salad is it! Loaded with cheese-stuffed pasta, crispy bacon, and a creamy pesto dressing, it’s the kind of salad that disappears fast at potlucks, BBQs or even weeknight dinners.
Quick Snapshot
Ready in: 30 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Best for: Potlucks, cookouts, easy weeknight dinners
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So much flavor! Creamy, cheesy, smoky, and herby in every bite.
- Quick to make. Just cook the tortellini and toss everything together.
- Great make-ahead dish. Even better after chilling in the fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Grape tomatoes
- Red onion
- Bacon – cooked and crumbled
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Pesto
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Directions for Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Boil tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop.
- Slice grape tomatoes in half and thinly slice the red onion.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, pesto, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss everything together: Add the tortellini, tomatoes, red onion, and bacon to the bowl. Stir gently until well combined and coated in the dressing.
This creamy Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe is the ultimate side dish for summer—easy, flavorful, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re heading to a backyard BBQ or just need a quick meal prep option, this recipe checks all the boxes.
If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and star rating! I’d love to hear what you think. 💬⭐
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Creamy Tortellini Pasta Salad is an easy side dish made with cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, tomatoes, red onion, and a creamy pesto dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts and potlucks!
Servings: 4
Calories: 379kcal
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, pesto, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the tortellini, tomatoes, red onion, and bacon to the bowl. Stir gently until well combined and coated in the dressing.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, or make it a few hours ahead for even better flavor.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days.
- Swap bacon for diced ham or turkey for a lighter option.
- Add fresh spinach, lettuce or arugula for a bit of green.
- Great served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 989mg | Potassium: 376mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1110IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
More Pasta Salads to Try
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is always a family favorite, loaded with cheese, crispy bacon and green onions.
- Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad has a homemade Italian dressing, mozzarella balls and sweet tomatoes for a delicious side dish that everyone loves.
- Macaroni Ham Salad has a creamy dressing and is loaded with savory ham, cheese and crunchy veggies.