By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 6, 2023 | Last Updated on October 6, 2023
Costco’s tortellini pasta salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures that has become a fan favorite for its delicious taste and easy preparation. This recipe takes the classic Italian pasta salad to new heights, featuring cheese-filled tortellini as the star of the dish.
The tortellini, with its creamy filling, provides a satisfying base that complements fresh, vibrant ingredients like cherry tomatoes, black olives, and bell peppers. A generous drizzle of tangy Italian dressing ties all the flavors together, creating a salad that’s not only pleasing to the palate but also visually appealing.
Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or an impressive dish for your next gathering, this Costco-inspired tortellini pasta salad won’t disappoint.
What is Costco’s tortellini pasta salad?
Costco’s tortellini pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines cheese-filled tortellini pasta with fresh vegetables and tangy Italian dressing for a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The creamy filling in the tortellini pairs perfectly with the crisp veggies, while the Italian dressing helps to bring out all the flavors.
You can easily customize this recipe with different vegetables and dressings to create a flavorful and unique pasta salad that will be sure to please. This dish is quick and simple to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Costco tortellini pasta salad?
This Costco tortellini pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser because it packs so much flavor and texture into each bite. The creamy filling in the tortellini pairs perfectly with the crunchy vegetables, while the Italian dressing adds a zesty tang that ties all the flavors together.
Plus, this recipe is so versatile that you can easily switch up the veggies and dressings to create a unique pasta salad that will be sure to wow your guests. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make – making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Nutritionally, this salad packs a The tortellini provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, while the vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins A and C. The olives offer healthy fats and vitamin E, and the Italian dressing adds flavor without too many calories. All in all, this salad is nutritious and delicious!
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How Does It Taste Like?
This Costco tortellini pasta salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The cheesy tortellini provides a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables, while the Italian dressing adds a zesty tang to tie all the flavors together.
No matter how you make it, this dish is sure to please. The cheesy tortellini and crisp vegetables provide an amazing combination of flavors, while the Italian dressing adds a tangy kick that ties all the ingredients together. You’ll love the taste of this delicious Costco-inspired pasta salad!
Ingredients
- Cheese-filled tortellini: This serves as the base for the salad. The cheese-filled tortellini is hearty and satisfying, adding a rich, creamy element to balance out the freshness of the vegetables. It also provides a source of protein and carbohydrates.
- Halved cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a sweet, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients. They also provide a pop of color and are a great source of vitamins A and C, and other antioxidants,s which are beneficial for health.
- Sliced black olives: Black olives contribute a unique salty, slightly bitter flavor to the mix. They also add a nice texture contrast. Olives are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E.
- Diced red onion: Red onions give the salad a slight spiciness and crunch. They’re also packed with beneficial compounds like quercetin and sulfur, which have been linked to heart health.
- Diced red bell pepper: Red bell peppers are sweet, crunchy, and full of flavor. They add a beautiful color to the salad and are an excellent source of vitamins A and C.
- Diced green bell pepper: Green bell peppers have a slightly more bitter taste compared to red bell peppers, providing a good flavor balance. They are also packed with vitamins and fiber.
- Italian dressing: This adds a tangy, herbaceous flavor that ties all the other ingredients together. It adds moisture and makes the salad more satisfying and flavorful.
- Salt and pepper: These are essential for seasoning. They enhance the flavors of the other ingredients, making them more prominent and enjoyable.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Tortellini
Begin by cooking the tortellini according to the package instructions. This typically involves boiling them in salted water until they are tender. Once they’re cooked, drain them and allow them to cool to room temperature before adding them to the salad.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled tortellini with the diced tomatoes, sliced olives, finely chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Toss these ingredients together to create a colorful and flavorful base for your salad.
Step 3: Add the Italian Dressing
Drizzle Italian dressing over the mixture in the bowl. The amount you use can be adjusted based on your preference for the level of moisture in the salad. The dressing adds a tangy flavor that complements the ingredients.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. The salt enhances the overall flavor, while the pepper adds a touch of spice. Toss the salad once more to evenly distribute the dressing and seasonings.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
For the best flavor and to allow the ingredients to meld together, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for 1-2 hours before serving. This step allows the flavors to develop and creates a refreshing, well-balanced salad.
Tips
- Use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use different types of vegetables for more color and flavor variations.
- For a creamy variation, mix in some mayonnaise or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Serve with crunchy croutons or- toasted pine nuts for added texture.
- For a vegan version, substitute the cheese tortellini with vegan alternatives and use a dairy-free dressing.
- If you’re short on time, opt for pre-made Italian dressing from the store.
Nutrition Information
How to store Costco tortellini pasta salad?
This Costco Tortellini pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh. To store leftovers, place the cooled salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If storing for longer than that, you can freeze individual portions for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply thaw the frozen portion in the refrigerator overnight before microwaving it or heating it in a saucepan over medium heat.
What other substitute can I use in Costco tortellini pasta salad?
- If you don’t have cheese tortellini, you can use another type of pasta like farfalle, penne, or fusilli.
- You can also substitute the olives with another type of nut such as almonds or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Other vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and mushrooms can also be added to the salad.
- Instead of Italian dressing, you can also use a vinaigrette or your favorite store-bought sauce.
- For a healthier option, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and added protein.
Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of cheese-filled tortellini
- 1 cup of Italian dressing
- 1 cup of sliced black olives
- 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup of diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup of diced red onion
- 1 cup of diced green bell pepper
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini following the package instructions, then allow it to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini with tomatoes, olives, onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper.
- Drizzle Italian dressing over the mixture until it reaches your preferred moisture level.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then toss the salad.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use different types of vegetables for more color and flavor variations.
- For a creamy variation, mix in some mayonnaise or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Serve with crunchy croutons or- toasted pine nuts for added texture.
- For a vegan version, substitute the cheese tortellini with vegan alternatives and use a dairy-free dressing.
- If you’re short on time, opt for pre-made Italian dressing from the store.
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Salad?
While fresh tortellini is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen tortellini in a pinch. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking and cooling.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator. The flavors often meld together and become even more delicious with time. And because it’s so easy to make, this salad is great for potlucks and other gatherings.
What Kind of Olives Work Best in the Salad?
Kalamata olives work best in this salad, as they have an intense flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. However, any type of olive will work – green or black – so feel free to use what you have on hand.
How Do I Prevent the Tortellini from Sticking Together?
To prevent the tortellini from sticking together, be sure to rinse them in cold water after they’ve boiled and cooled. This will remove any excess starch that can cause them to stick to each other. Additionally, it’s a good idea to lightly coat the tortellini with some oil after rinsing to help keep them separate.
Can I Make a Vegan Version of This Salad?
Yes, you can easily make a vegan version of this salad. Simply substitute the cheese tortellini with vegan alternatives and use a dairy-free dressing such as olive oil or balsamic vinegar. You can also add in some plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu for an extra boost of nutrition.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish to serve at your next gathering, Costco Tortellini pasta salad is an excellent choice. With its rich, creamy cheese tortellini, vibrant vegetables, and tangy Italian dressing, it’s sure to be a hit! Plus, it’s packed with protein and nutrients for a nut-looking meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Don’t forget to customize the ingredients to suit your taste. For example, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein, use different types of vegetables for more color and flavor variations, or substitute the cheese tortellini with vegan alternatives. Enjoy!
No matter what variation you choose, this Costco Tortellini pasta salad is sure to be a hit! It’s a great dish to make for gatherings, potlucks, or even just a quick weeknight dinner.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
