Hi friends, Betsy here from Potluck Eats.
If you have ever walked past the deli section at Costco, you have probably seen their famous tortellini pasta salad. It is colorful, hearty, and always tempting to grab for a quick meal or party side dish.
But after buying it a few times, I started thinking the same thing I often think with store bought foods. Why not just make it at home?
This Costco tortellini pasta salad copycat has all the flavors people love. Cheese tortellini, juicy tomatoes, olives, salami, and creamy mozzarella pearls all tossed in Italian dressing. It is fresh, filling, and surprisingly easy to make.
The best part is that when you make it at home, you can control the ingredients and keep the flavors balanced so it stays delicious even after a day or two in the fridge.
This recipe has become one of my favorite potluck and summer BBQ salads here on Potluck Eats.
Why You Will Love This Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad
It tastes like the Costco favorite
You get that same deli style pasta salad flavor right at home.
Perfect for gatherings
This is the kind of dish that disappears quickly at potlucks and backyard cookouts.
Simple ingredients
Everything in this recipe can be found at a regular grocery store.
Great for meal prep
It keeps well in the fridge and makes a quick lunch during the week.
Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients that create the classic deli style pasta salad flavor.
You will need
- Cheese tortellini
- Grape tomatoes
- Black olives
- Red onion
- Mozzarella pearls
- Salami
- Italian dressing
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Ingredient Tips
Cheese tortellini
Tortellini makes this pasta salad extra filling compared to regular pasta. The cheese filling adds great flavor in every bite.
Mozzarella pearls
These small mozzarella balls add creamy texture throughout the salad. If you cannot find pearls, diced fresh mozzarella works too.
Italian dressing
A Tuscan Italian dressing is closest to the Costco version, but any good Italian vinaigrette will work.
How To Make Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad
This recipe is simple enough for beginners and perfect for busy weeknights.
Step 1 Cook the tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water.
Step 2 Combine the salad ingredients
Place the cooled tortellini in a large bowl. Add the grape tomatoes, black olives, diced red onion, salami, and mozzarella pearls.
Step 3 Add the dressing
Pour half of the Italian dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
Step 4 Chill the salad
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend together.
Step 5 Toss and serve
Before serving, add the remaining dressing and gently toss again. Serve cold.
Tips For The Best Tortellini Pasta Salad
Cook tortellini just until tender
Overcooked pasta can become soft and break apart when mixed.
Rinse the pasta
Running the tortellini under cool water stops the cooking and keeps the texture perfect for pasta salad.
Chill before serving
Letting the salad rest in the fridge helps all the flavors blend together.
Mix gently
Tortellini can tear if mixed too aggressively. Use a gentle folding motion.
Easy Ways To Customize This Recipe
One of the things I love about this Costco tortellini pasta salad is how easy it is to adjust.
Add more vegetables
Try adding
- roasted red peppers
- marinated artichokes
- cucumbers
- sun dried tomatoes
Change the protein
Instead of salami you can use
- grilled chicken
- cubed ham
- cooked shrimp
Add herbs
Fresh basil or parsley gives the salad even more fresh flavor.
What To Serve With Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad
This salad works as a side dish or even a light meal.
Some great pairings include
- burgers
- grilled chicken
- hot dogs
- barbecue ribs
- sandwiches
It is especially perfect for summer gatherings and family parties.
How To Store Leftovers
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If the salad absorbs some of the dressing, simply add a little extra dressing and toss before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini
Yes, frozen tortellini works just fine. Cook it according to the package instructions until tender.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time
Yes. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours.
What other ingredients can I add
Many people enjoy adding cucumbers, roasted zucchini, banana peppers, or pine nuts.
Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Costco tortellini pasta salad is a simple and flavorful dish inspired by the popular deli favorite. Cheese tortellini is tossed with grape tomatoes, olives, salami, mozzarella pearls, and Italian dressing for a quick pasta salad that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and easy lunches.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup whole black olives
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- ½ cup salami, diced or cut into strips
- ½ cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
- Transfer the tortellini to a large bowl.
- Add tomatoes, olives, red onion, salami, and mozzarella pearls.
- Pour half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Before serving, add the remaining dressing and toss again.
Notes
Chilling the pasta salad helps the flavors blend together for the best taste. You can add chopped fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness. This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
If you try this Costco tortellini pasta salad, I would love to hear how it turned out for you.
Leave a comment and let me know if you added your own twist to the recipe. Hearing from readers is one of my favorite parts of running Potluck Eats, and your ideas always inspire new recipes in my kitchen.
Happy cooking
Betsy from Potluck Eats
Leave a Reply