Christmas Tortellini Salad

This Christmas tortellini salad is a bright, colorful pasta salad made with tender cheese tortellini, chopped salami, cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, black olives, mozzarella pearls and thin slices of red onion, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. The red and green colors look festive on any holiday table, and it comes together with just a few minutes of cooking. Make it ahead, chill it, and carry it to a potluck, a cookie swap or Christmas dinner without any last-minute fuss.

Why You’ll Like This Christmas Tortellini Salad

Holiday menus fill up fast with rich, heavy dishes, so a cold, zesty salad is always welcome. The cheese-filled pasta makes it hearty enough to feel special, while the fresh vegetables and tangy dressing keep it light. It also tastes better after a rest in the fridge, which makes it one of the easiest make-ahead sides of the season.

• Festive colors: red tomatoes, salami and onion with green cucumber look cheerful in a big bowl.
• Make-ahead friendly: it needs at least an hour in the fridge, so you can prep it before guests arrive.
• Potluck ready: it travels well, serves a crowd and is happy sitting on a buffet.
• Simple ingredients: eight items and no fancy techniques.

Ingredients for Christmas Tortellini Salad

For the Salad

• 24 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup salami, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives
• 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
• 1/4 red onion, sliced

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

You will need a large pot, a colander and a large mixing or serving bowl. Makes about 8 to 10 side servings. Prep time is about 15 minutes, cook time is about 5 minutes, plus at least 1 hour to chill.

Ingredient Notes

The tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks in just a few minutes and stays soft and tender once chilled. Dried tortellini works too, but it takes longer to cook and has a firmer bite.

The salami: Cut it into small cubes or strips so a little lands in every forkful. Pepperoni or cooked ham also work if that is what you have.

The tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes so they soak up the dressing and are easier to eat. Grape tomatoes are a fine swap.

The mozzarella pearls: These tiny balls of fresh mozzarella are creamy and mild. If you can only find larger fresh mozzarella balls, cut them into bite-size pieces.

How to Make Christmas Tortellini Salad

Step by Step

1. Cook the tortellini. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water, usually just 3 to 5 minutes for refrigerated pasta.
2. Drain and rinse. Drain the tortellini in a colander and rinse with cold water until it is cool to the touch. This stops the cooking and keeps it from sticking.
3. Add to a bowl. Shake off as much water as you can and add the tortellini to a large bowl.
4. Stir in the mix-ins. Stir in the salami, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, mozzarella pearls and red onion.
5. Add the dressing. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad.
6. Toss. Toss gently with a large spoon until everything is coated, taking care not to tear the tortellini.
7. Chill. Cover the bowl and chill for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors can blend.
8. Toss and serve. Toss again before serving cold, bringing the dressing up from the bottom of the bowl.

Tips for the Best Christmas Tortellini Salad

Do Not Overcook the Pasta

Tortellini keeps softening as it sits in the dressing, so pull it off the heat right at the end of the package time.

Drain It Well

Extra water left on the pasta dilutes the dressing. Give the colander a few good shakes, or spread the tortellini on a clean towel for a minute.

Save a Splash of Dressing

Pasta drinks up dressing as it chills. Keep an extra 2 to 3 tablespoons on hand and toss it in just before serving if the salad looks dry.

Slice the Onion Thin

Thin slices of red onion add color and a gentle bite without taking over. For a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes and pat them dry.

Dress It Up for the Table

Serve it in a white or red bowl and scatter a little chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for an extra pop of green.

Variations

• Homemade Italian dressing: whisk 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 small minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. It makes about 1/2 cup, just right for this salad.
• Extra greens: fold in a handful of baby spinach, arugula or chopped green bell pepper for more holiday color.
• Roasted red peppers: add chopped jarred roasted red peppers for a sweet, smoky note.
• Vegetarian: skip the salami and add marinated artichoke hearts or chickpeas instead.
• Pesto twist: replace half the dressing with basil pesto for a greener, herby version.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftover Christmas tortellini salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Toss it again and add a splash of dressing before serving, since the pasta absorbs it over time.

Freezer: Do not freeze this salad. The cucumber, tomatoes and mozzarella turn watery and soft once thawed, and the pasta loses its texture.

Make-ahead: Assemble the salad up to 1 day before your gathering and keep it covered in the fridge. For the freshest look, you can add the cucumber a few hours before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Christmas tortellini salad the day before?

Yes. It actually tastes better after a night in the fridge. Keep a little extra dressing aside and toss it in right before serving to refresh the salad.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes. Cook frozen cheese tortellini straight from the freezer according to the package directions, then rinse it with cold water and continue with the recipe.

Can I make my own Italian dressing?

Absolutely. Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried Italian seasoning, a little mustard and honey, salt and pepper, as shown in the Variations section.

How many people does this salad serve?

This recipe makes about 8 to 10 side servings, which is perfect for a holiday buffet or potluck. For a bigger crowd, double everything and mix it in your largest bowl.