Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoni and Tortellini

Make this filling and refreshing pepperoni pasta salad for your next back yard barbecue! This Italian pasta salad is delicious combination of tortellini, mozzarella, pepperoni, and zesty Italian dressing!

I love a good pasta salad. It satisfies my pasta craving without making me sweat in the middle of summer. Pasta salad is really more of a side dish, I love serving it outside and paired with yummy barbecue. It tastes great when paired with anything from hot dogs to steak. 

If you’re looking for more summer side dishes, make sure to try our recipes for Instant Pot Baked Beans, Easy Italian Antipasto Salad, Rotel Cheese Dip, and Red Potato Salad.

How to make pepperoni pasta salad?

(full printable recipe can be found at the bottom of this page)

1. Start by cooking 2 packages of tortellini.
2. Drain the tortellini but do not rinse.
3. Toss the tortellini in olive oil.
4. Spread the tortellini onto a rimmed cookie sheet and let cool, about 30 minutes.
5. Once cool, combine tortellini, sliced mozzarella, and sliced pepperoni in a large bowl.
6. Pour in a bottle of your favorite Italian dressing (or make your own).
7. Stir until pepperoni pasta salad is evenly coated.
8. Top with fresh chopped basil.
9. For best results, chill overnight.
10. Serve and enjoy!

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How to chill pasta for pasta salad?

In this recipe, we recommend cooling the lightly coating the cooked pasta with olive oil and spreading it on a cookie sheet in an even layer. It takes about 20-30 minutes for it to come to room temperature.

If you prefer to cook the pasta ahead of time, just toss it in oil and store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator until ready to prepare your pasta salad.

How far in advance should you make pasta salad?

Pasta salad actually tastes better if it has had time to sit. We recommend making your pasta salad – with dressing – the day before and letting it sit in the fridge overnight before serving.

How long will Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

5-7 days. Uneaten pasta salad should be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.

What goes well with pasta salad for dinner?

Pasta salad is great with traditional barbecue fair, like ribs. It’s also great with grilled chicken.

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Looking for other ways to use tortellini? Try our recipe for Instant Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini Soup!

Did you try this recipe for pepperoni pasta salad? Let us know what you thought with a rating and comment.