Tortellini Pasta Salad combines tender cheese tortellini with crisp broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted almonds, all coated in a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for potlucks, easy lunches, or meal prep during a busy week.
A Pasta Salad That’s Versatile Year-Round
This Creamy Tortellini Pasta Salad works in every season. It’s light and refreshing for summer gatherings, yet the sweet cranberries and hearty tortellini make it just as satisfying in cooler months. The poppy seed dressing adds a creamy, slightly sweet finish while the broccoli and almonds contribute texture. It stores well in the refrigerator, making it an ideal option for quick grab-and-go lunches or for bringing to potlucks.
Like many pasta salads, this recipe is very adaptable. Swap in your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or a different pasta shape. Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or roasted red peppers all work well. Try feta or cheddar in place of parmesan, or use a different tortellini variety. Best of all, it comes together in about 20 minutes—great for last-minute plans.
Basic Ingredients You Need
- Tortellini — cheese-stuffed tortellini recommended.
- Broccoli — fresh, raw florets for crunch.
- Parmesan cheese — shredded.
- Red onion — thinly sliced.
- Dried cranberries — or another dried fruit you prefer.
- Roasted almonds — sliced and toasted.
- Dressing — mayo, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt and pepper.
Tortellini Pasta Salad In 20 Minutes
- Cook the tortellini: Prepare according to package directions, then drain and rinse lightly with cool water.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt and pepper while the pasta cooks.
- Assemble the salad: In a medium bowl combine the tortellini, broccoli florets, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and shredded parmesan. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat.
- Serve or chill: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Substitution Ideas
- Broccoli: Substitute with asparagus, snap peas, or zucchini.
- Cranberries: Try golden raisins, chopped dried apricots, or pomegranate seeds.
- Almonds: Use toasted pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Tortellini: Swap for spinach tortellini or use gluten-free pasta.
- Dressing: Use a store-bought poppy seed dressing for convenience.
Important Tip for Make-Ahead
If preparing ahead or serving leftovers, stir in a splash of milk before serving to refresh the dressing and make it creamy again.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
Equipment
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small bowl
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medium bowl
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medium pot
Ingredients
Poppy Seed Dressing
- ¼ cup mayo
- 3 tablespoon plain, full-fat Greek yogurt (we use 2%)
- 1 ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta Salad
- 10 ounces cooked cheese tortellini, drained and rinsed lightly (or your favorite kind)
- 1 ½ cups raw broccoli florets
- ⅓ cup red onion, sliced thin
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Cook 10 ounces of tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse lightly with cool water.
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Prepare the dressing by whisking together ¼ cup mayo, 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 ½ teaspoons honey, 2 teaspoons poppy seeds, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
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Combine the cooked tortellini, 1 ½ cups broccoli florets, ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion, ⅓ cup dried cranberries, ¼ cup sliced almonds, and ¼ cup parmesan in a medium bowl.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the tortellini — aim for tender but firm so they hold up in the salad.
- Chop the broccoli small so it blends easily with the pasta and soaks up the dressing.
- Meal prep friendly — keeps up to 3 days in the fridge. Stir before serving and add a splash of milk if the dressing needs loosening.
- Make it a meal — add grilled chicken or cooked bacon for extra protein.
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Protein: 14g
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Fat: 18g
More Favorite Pasta Salads
If you enjoy pasta salads, try other variations like coleslaw pasta salad, cob pasta salad with buttermilk ranch, chicken Caesar pasta salad, or pasta salad with homemade Italian dressing.
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