This colorful, crunchy, Costco copycat recipe for Mediterranean Tortellini Caprese Salad is about to become your favorite new summer side. Made with just 10 ingredients and only 10 minutes of active prep time, this tortellini pasta salad is as easy to make as it is to eat!
Not to toot my own horn here, but this Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad is even better than the Costco version. Better yet, it's also cheaper!
Caprese Tortellini Salad Recipe
This delectable antipasto-style tortellini salad was inspired by my Burrata Cheese Board. I figured I’d take the yummy, creamy mozzarella, salty cured salami, and colorful assortment of veggies and toss it with filled pasta to turn it into a tasty side. I couldn’t be happier with the results!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
If you love pasta salad, consider this Tuscan tortellini salad your new standard bearer. Packed to the brim with bright, crunchy veggies, perfectly al dente stuffed pasta, salty cured meat, and creamy cheese all coated in a zippy Italian vinaigrette, this fantastically fresh side pairs beautifully with all your BBQ favorites.
Aside from having a tantalizing mix of charcuterie staples mixed with tender noodles and tons of veggies, this copycat Costco tortellini pasta salad recipe is also:
- Made With Just 10 Simple Ingredients - A short ingredient list means fewer things to forget at the store.
- Quick & Easy To Prepare - You literally only need 10 minutes MAX to get this gorgeous pasta salad prepped.
- Customizable - Feel free to swap in or add the veggies of your choice, use a different type of dressing, make it vegan or vegetarian, or make any other changes you need!
- Budget-Friendly - As much as I love Costco for being a frugal hausfrau’s mecca, making your own homemade copycat tortellini salad will save you money in the long run.
Ingredients & Substitutions
As promised, this simple Mediterranean tortellini salad requires just a handful of ingredients. See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and the amounts needed.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tortellini - Use the fresh (refrigerated), frozen, or even shelf-stable tortellini of your choice. Feel free to use cheese tortellini, meat (e.g. chicken) tortellini, or even flavored tortellini such as spinach, pumpkin, wild mushroom, or any other variety you prefer.
- Italian Dressing - You are also welcome to use Greek vinaigrette, pesto (thinned with some extra olive oil), balsamic viniagrette, a homemade vinaigrette, or a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing instead.
- Yellow Bell Pepper & Cucumber - While these aren’t part of the traditional Costco-style recipe, I love the color and crunch they add to this Mediterranean tortellini salad. Feel free to swap in red or orange bell pepper instead, or omit them entirely.
- Cherry Tomatoes - Unless you’re making this cold tortellini salad in the height of tomato season, greenhouse-grown cherry tomatoes are your best bet. You are also welcome to use grape tomatoes or multicolored ones as Costco does instead.
- Black Olives - For a briny bite. You can also use green olives or a mixture instead, so long as they are pitted and sliced or chopped.
- Salami - For protein, saltiness, and a bit of fat. You can also use pepperoni, bacon, ham, cooked shrimp, shredded chicken or turkey, cubed chicken or turkey, canned salmon or tuna, or prosciutto instead.
- Pearl-Sized Mozzarella Balls - Also known as ciliegine mozzarella, these little beauties are packed in water for a mild, creamy, fresh flavor. If you can’t find pearl mozzarella, feel free to use larger pieces that you cut into smaller bits. You can use as much or as little as you want and should also feel free to substitute marinated mozzarella that has been drained, or use crumbled bleu (blue) cheese, feta, or goat cheese instead.
- Fresh Basil - For bright, herbaceous flavor. You can use oregano, mint, parsley, thyme, chives, or cilantro instead.
- Artichoke Hearts - I prefer using the kind that are marinated in oil for the best flavor but feel free to use plain canned ones packed in water instead.
Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations
Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this summer tortellini salad to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Use as many as you need to!
- Vegetarian - Use a cheese or veggie-stuffed tortellini variety and swap out the salami in favor of a vegetarian alternative (e.g. vegan bacon bits).
- Vegan - Go a step further and use plant-based tortellini and the vegan cheese of your choice.
- Gluten-Free - Swap in gluten-free pasta to make this a celiac-friendly side.
- Swap Out The Pasta Type - You can also make this pasta salad using other kinds of noodles like farfalle, macaroni, penne, rotini, or mini ravioli.
- Add Lemon - Juice one lemon and add to the dressing for a fresh burst of sunshiny flavor.
- Add Alliums - Adding a little fresh minced garlic or roasted garlic made in an air fryer or an oven adds so much flavor. You can also add sliced green onions or leeks, or diced red, yellow, or white onions for extra pungency and bite.
- Go Nuts - Add walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts for crunch and richness.
- Add Fresh or Roasted Vegetables - Feel free to bulk up this pasta salad by adding the veggies of your choice. I love to add sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach or kale, roasted red peppers, corn, carrots, celery, scallions, summer squash, shaved lettuce, cooked broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, roasted zucchini, eggplant, and/or mushrooms.
- Spicy - Add a few chopped peperoncini (hot pepper) and/or a sprinkle of chili pepper flakes, jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the salad. I will also occasionally add a teaspoon of our homemade hot pepper sauce (feel free to use your favorite hot sauce) to the dressing.
- Add Croutons - Add a sprinkling to the top of the salad for added carby goodness.
- Extra Herby - Sprinkling chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or oregano on top of the salad will give it a brighter flavor and fragrance.
- Creamy - Try adding some Greek yogurt, ricotta cheese, or sour cream to the salad before tossing and chilling.
- Chicken Tortellini Salad - Swap in thinly sliced grilled chicken breast in place of the salami.
- Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad - Use salami, pepperoni, olives, provolone, tomatoes, red onion, and pepperoncini to replicate a traditional Italian antipasto course in pasta form.
- Greek Tortellini Salad - Use tomatoes, cucumbers, black (Kalamata) olives, red onion, green pepper, and lots of crumbled feta cheese with a Greek vinaigrette to make a fun twist on Greek pasta salad with tortellini.
If you've checked out all of these options and still can't decide what you want to do with this recipe, check out this list of what to serve with tortellini salad that we've created for you to try out!
How To Make Costco-Style Tortellini Caprese Salad
This flavorful cheese tortellini salad recipe comes together with just 10 minutes of kitchen time. While you can check the recipe card below for full instructions, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to do:
Step 1: Prepare tortellini according to package directions for al dente texture. Typically, this means boiling pasta for about 5 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water.
Step 2: Marinate tortellini. Combine the tortellini and ½ cup of Italian dressing in a large bowl. Stir until evenly coated. Hint: For this recipe, you will be mixing the noodles with ½ cup of Italian dressing before adding the remaining ingredients. This will help the flavor of the dressing get into all the crevices of the noodles for optimal flavor while eating.
Step 3: Mix in the remaining ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Chill for at least one hour, then top with remaining ½ cup Italian dressing and fresh basil and serve.
If you like tortellini but it’s still too cold for chilled pasta salad, you may also like my recipe for Slow Cooker Minestrone with Tortellini.
Storage Instructions
Leftover tortellini salad should be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep it as fresh as possible, try to consume it within 24 hours.
I don't recommend freezing leftover salad.
Here are a few additional storage tips:
- Setting aside the last ½ cup of dressing until serving prevents the noodles from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy.
- This pasta salad is excellent for meal prep but I recommend adding just a bit more dressing right before enjoying it to keep the flavor extra fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean tortellini pasta salad is perfect for packed lunches, picnics, potlucks, and parties. It pairs beautifully with all kinds of grilled meats including but not limited to steak, ribs, chicken, pork, and fish.
You can also serve the tortellini salad on a bed of fresh greens, rice, or quinoa to make it a heartier meal.
We created a list of our favorite sides to serve with tortellini salad just in case you're looking for some ideas. I hope you'll take a look.
Expert Tips
While this Italian tortellini salad is quite simple to make, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:
- Follow package directions. This recipe calls for frozen tortellini but refrigerated or shelf-stable tortellini can be used as well. Just remember to cook according to package directions for al dente texture.
- Rinsing the tortellini under cool water stops the cooking to maintain the ideal doneness for a pasta salad.
- Dress it how you like it. You can use prepared bottled dressing to make life easy or you could make a quick homemade option as well.
- Aim for even cuts. I like to make sure everything is pretty close in size. Keeping everything slightly smaller than the tortellini noodles is ideal for eating.
- Patience is a virtue. This salad could be served immediately, but the flavor is best when it is chilled for at least an hour so flavors can meld together
- Top it. Use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese as a topping for a punch of salty, creamy, umami flavor.
- Butter makes everything better. Toast pine nuts in butter and add them to the salad for additional flavor and crunch
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pasta Salad
- Not using the right size and shape of pasta. While you’re welcome to swap out tortellini for a different shape of pasta, make sure whatever you choose is short and is either textured or has some good nooks and crannies for the dressing.
- Overcooking or undercooking the pasta. The only thing worse than undercooked pasta is overcooked mushy pasta. Cook until just al dente.
- Not seasoning the pasta enough. Add salt to your pasta water — it’s the only chance you’ll get to season the actual noodles!
- Not dressing the pasta salad while it's still warm. Adding the dressing to the tortellini as soon as it’s been drained and rinsed ensures the pasta soaks up all the zesty Italian flavor.
- Making your pasta salad too far in advance. For the best results, this tortellini antipasto salad should be consumed within 24 hours. If you wait too long, the pasta will absorb too much of the vinaigrette and become soft.
Top Tip
Make sure to toss the cooked pasta in half of the salad dressing before adding the remaining ingredients. This will ensure that all the nooks and crannies catch some of the flavorful vinaigrette!
FAQ
Do you have questions about my Caprese Tortellini Salad? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this Costco copycat pasta salad:
You can use prepared Italian Dressing or make your own. You're also welcome to swap in any other vinaigrette or creamy, yogurt-based dressing you prefer!
This recipe calls for pearl-sized mozzarella balls, but any type of soft Italian cheese can be used. You could also substitute feta or goat cheese if desired.
Aside from cucumber, yellow bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and black olives we sometimes like to add sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach or kale, roasted red peppers, corn, carrots, summer squash, artichokes, cooked broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, roasted zucchini, and/or eggplant. Honestly, anything goes.
Yes, you can use whatever type of pasta you'd like; however, it's best to use something small that will absorb the dressing better such as farfalle (bowtie), fusilli (spiral), mini penne, or shells. Additionally, if you're looking for a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free varieties at your local grocery store.
Literally, the word “antipasto” is derived from the Latin root “anti” meaning “before” and “pastus,” which means “meal.” Thus, the antipasto course simply refers to the dish that precedes all others
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More Pasta Salad Recipes
Do you like salads loaded up with carby goodness? Here some recipes you may also like to try:
Mediterranean Tortellini Caprese Salad (Costco Copycat)
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Mediterranean Tortellini Caprese Salad (Costco Copycat)
Ingredients
- 1 pkg (20 oz) frozen tortellini 1 lb
- 1 cup prepared Italian Dressing or homemade
- 1 cup cucumber quartered and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 can (6 oz) black olives sliced in half
- 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup salami chopped
- 1 cup (8 oz) pearl sized mozzarella balls
Optional
- Fresh Basil
Instructions
- Prepare tortellini according to package directions for al dente texture. Typically, this means boiling pasta for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse the tortellini under cool water to help stop the pasta cooking and to maintain ideal doneness for a pasta salad. Drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the tortellini and ½ cup of the italian dressing. Stir until evenly coated.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir until evenly distributed.
- Chill covered for at least one hour, then top with remaining ½ cup Italian dressing and fresh basil and serve.
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Notes
- Leftover tortellini salad should be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep it as fresh as possible, try to consume it within 24 hours.
- Follow package directions. This recipe calls for frozen tortellini but refrigerated or shelf-stable tortellini can be used as well. Just remember to cook according to package directions for al dente texture.
- Rinsing the tortellini under cool water stops the cooking to maintain the ideal doneness for a pasta salad.
- Dress it how you like it. You can use prepared bottled dressing to make life easy or you could make a quick homemade option as well.
- Aim for even cuts. I like to make sure everything is pretty close in size. Keeping everything slightly smaller than the tortellini noodles is ideal for eating.
- Vegetarian - Use a cheese or veggie-stuffed tortellini variety and swap out the salami in favor of a vegetarian alternative (e.g. vegan bacon bits).
- Vegan - Go a step further and use plant-based tortellini and the vegan cheese of your choice.
- Gluten-Free - Swap in gluten-free pasta to make this a celiac-friendly side.
- Swap Out The Pasta Type - You can also make this pasta salad using other kinds of noodles like farfalle, macaroni, penne, rotini, or mini ravioli.
- Add Lemon - Juice one lemon and add to the dressing for a fresh burst of sunshiny flavor.
- Add Alliums - Adding a little fresh minced garlic or roasted garlic made in an air fryer or an oven adds so much flavor. You can also add sliced green onions or leeks, or diced red, yellow, or white onions for extra pungency and bite.
- Go Nuts - Add walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts for crunch and richness.
- Add Fresh or Roasted Vegetables - Feel free to bulk up this pasta salad by adding the veggies of your choice. I love to add sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach or kale, roasted red peppers, corn, carrots, celery, scallions, summer squash, shaved lettuce, cooked broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts, roasted zucchini, eggplant, and/or mushrooms.
- Spicy - Add a few chopped peperoncini (hot pepper) and/or a sprinkle of chili pepper flakes, jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the salad. I will also occasionally add a teaspoon of our homemade hot pepper sauce (feel free to use your favorite hot sauce) to the dressing.
- Add Croutons - Add a sprinkling to the top of the salad for added carby goodness.
- Extra Herby - Sprinkling chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or oregano on top of the salad will give it a brighter flavor and fragrance.
- Creamy - Try adding some Greek yogurt, ricotta cheese, or sour cream to the salad before tossing and chilling.
- Chicken Tortellini Salad - Swap in thinly sliced grilled chicken breast in place of the salami.
- Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad - Use salami, pepperoni, olives, provolone, tomatoes, red onion, and pepperoncini to replicate a traditional Italian antipasto course in pasta form.
- Greek Tortellini Salad - Use tomatoes, cucumbers, black (Kalamata) olives, red onion, green pepper, and lots of crumbled feta cheese with a Greek vinaigrette to make a fun twist on Greek pasta salad with tortellini.
Nutrition
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