Chicken Tortellini Salad

Healthy salads are perfect for summer & this fresh garden tortellini salad with chicken is a deliciously easy lunch or dinner option.

A combination of cheese tortellini, tender chicken, pepperoni, fresh arugula, tomatoes, and cucumbers round out this Italian pasta salad. Use your favorite vinaigrette, or a simple homemade Italian dressing with a boost of basil pesto.

Summer Recipes

Summer can get pretty darn hot and that calls for plenty of meals that are both light and cooling. It's a good idea to stack your summer menu with plenty of salads, both garden, meat, seafood or pasta salad recipes, grilled fish and chicken as well as sheet pan, quick one-skillet dinners, and stir-frys.

Our family has their favorites like Grilled Fish Tacos, Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner, and Strawberry Chicken Salad. Of course, don't let the weather stop you from enjoying these summer recipes all year long.

Why You'll Love Tortellini Salad with Chicken

So tell me, do you ever get to the point when your refrigerator is begging to be cleaned out? I sometimes forget those things in the back and I have to remind myself to check out what is hanging around and see what I can make with it.

Clean Out the Fridge - This Italian tortellini salad was one of those "yep, it's time to clean out the refrigerator" meals.

Quick and easy using rotisserie chicken, summer vegetables, and store-bought fresh tortellini.

Healthy - the fresh ingredients make this a healthy tortellini salad with plenty of good antioxidants and vitamins from the vegetables and low-fat proteins from the chicken.

Simple Dressing - is made easy by using a pre-made Italian dressing and upping the flavor with the addition of basil pesto. You can also use your favorite vinaigrette dressing or even just a squeeze of lemon juice with olive oil & balsamic vinegar.

No Heat in the Kitchen - this cold pasta salad is perfect for summer! It's great for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues.

Tortellini Salad Ingredients

Here's what you need to make chicken tortellini pasta salad. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.

For the tortellini chicken salad:

• Cooked chicken
• Red bell pepper - orange or yellow bell peppers can also be used
• Tomatoes - either cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
• Red onion
• Cucumber
• Fresh basil
• Fresh arugula
• Fresh cheese-filled tortellini, cooked and chilled - you can find fresh tortellini in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Cook according to package instructions.
• Feta cheese
• Pepperoni
• Black Olives - such as kalamata olives

For the dressing:

• Italian dressing - vinaigrette, or homemade dressing
• Basil pesto - store-bought or homemade pesto

Recipe Tips

Enhance your culinary experience with these essential tips for making a delightful Chicken Tortellini Salad, ensuring every bite is as delicious as it is visually appealing.

• Choose the Right Tortellini: Opt for fresh cheese tortellini for the best flavor and texture. If unavailable, frozen tortellini can be a good substitute but avoid dried tortellini as they tend to be firmer and less flavorful.
• Cooking Tortellini: Be careful not to overcook the tortellini. They should be cooked to 'al dente' – tender but still firm to the bite. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy and lose their shape when tossed in the salad.
• Chilling the Tortellini: After cooking, rinse the tortellini in cold water to stop the cooking process. Chill them in the refrigerator before adding to the salad to keep this summer salad cool and refreshing.
• Dressing the Salad: To ensure the salad is evenly coated, whisk the Italian dressing and basil pesto together before pouring over the salad. For a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of dressing or use a low-fat Italian dressing.
• Garnishing: Before serving, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of Chicken Tortellini Salad lies in its versatility. Whether you're looking for a meatier dish, a seafood twist, a plant-based option, or just a different flavor profile, there's a variation for everyone. Here are some delightful ways to customize this delicious pasta salad to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Meat Options: Elevate the richness of the salad by adding cooked bacon or prosciutto. These meats add a savory depth and can be a great substitute or addition to the chicken.
• Seafood Delights: For a seafood version, consider adding cooked shrimp, crab meat, or canned tuna. These options provide a light, refreshing taste and pair beautifully with the existing flavors of the salad.
• Plant-Based Proteins: For a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version, tofu or chickpeas are excellent protein substitutes. They absorb the salad flavors well and add a satisfying texture.
• Vegetarian Twist: Simply omit the chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version. The cheese tortellini and array of fresh vegetables ensure the salad remains hearty and flavorful.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: For an extra veggie boost, try adding artichoke hearts, tender asparagus, or peas. These vegetables not only add nutritional value but also provide a variety of textures and flavors.
• Greek Tortellini Salad: Swap the Italian dressing for Greek dressing to add a Mediterranean flair to your salad. This simple change can significantly alter the flavor profile, giving it a tangy and herb-infused taste.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of tortellini such as three cheese tortellini for an extra cheesy experience or spinach tortellini for an extra vegetable boost. Each type of tortellini brings its unique flavor, taking the salad to a whole new level.

These variations allow you to play around with the recipe and create great summer salads that are uniquely yours. Don't be afraid to mix and match these suggestions to find your perfect Chicken Tortellini Salad combination!

What to Serve with Tortellini Salad

Chicken Tortellini Salad is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it perfect for a casual lunch, a summer picnic, or an elegant dinner party. To complement its flavors and create a satisfying meal, consider these serving suggestions:

• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Serve the salad with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread. This is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing and adds a comforting, hearty element to the meal.
• Bruschetta or Crostini: Serve alongside bruschetta or crostini topped with tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. These Italian appetizers add a crunchy texture and vibrant flavor to your meal.
• Soup: Pair the salad with a light soup, such as a tomato basil soup or a vegetable minestrone. This combination makes for a balanced and satisfying meal, especially on cooler days.
• Fresh Fruit: Complement the salad with a side of fresh fruit or fruit salad. The sweetness of the fruit balances the savory flavors of this cold salad, making it a refreshing addition to the meal.
• Quiche or Frittata: For brunch or a luncheon, pair the salad with a quiche or frittata. The egg-based dishes are a great match for the light yet satisfying nature of the salad.
• Wine Pairing: If you're serving the salad at a dinner party, pair it with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the salad's flavors without overpowering them.
• Desserts: For dessert, opt for something light and refreshing like lemon sorbet or a berry tart. These desserts provide a sweet end to your meal without being too heavy.

Each of these pairings brings out the best in the Chicken Tortellini Salad, creating a well-rounded and delicious meal experience for you and your guests.

How to Store

Store leftover tortellini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

It's not recommended to freeze this tortellini salad. Freezing can significantly alter the texture of the tortellini and vegetables, making them mushy when thawed.

If the salad seems a bit dry when you're ready to eat the leftovers, try adding a splash of fresh Italian dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice to revitalize the flavors.

More Pasta and Salad Recipes

• Chicken Bruschetta Pasta
• Cucumber Watermelon Salad
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
• Rattlesnake Pasta
• Taco Salad in a Jar

Find lots of delicious and easy recipes for salads right here on 2CM!

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This post has been updated with an improved recipe, new photos, and more helpful information. It was first published on June 11, 2017.