Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Last Updated on November 27, 2023

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pasta salad recipe?

Look no further! Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delicious and simple dish to make. It is made with store-bought fresh or frozen tortellini, a variety of vegetables and herbs, and a delicious dressing. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck. It is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

What is Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad?

Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad is a classic Italian-inspired dish that is a favorite among pasta salad lovers.  It is a famous dish from Costco, commonly referred to as Costco Wholesale Corporation.

It is made with store-bought fresh or frozen tortellini, a variety of vegetables and herbs, and a delicious dressing. The vegetables used can be whatever you have on hand, from cucumbers and tomatoes to red and yellow peppers. The dressing can be a simple vinaigrette or a more flavorful pesto. 

This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck. It is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Why You’ll Love this Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe?

There are many reasons why you will love this Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad recipe. First, it is an easy and delicious dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. Second, it is a great alternative to traditional pasta salads that are often loaded with calories. 

Third, it is a dish that can be made in advance and enjoyed for days. Fourth, it is a dish that can be customized to your taste. Finally, it is a dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

You’ll also like the following Side Dishes recipes!

• Pappadeaux Crab And Spinach Dip Copycat Recipe
• How to make Domino’s Chicken Alfredo
• Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad

The Ingredients

• 2 Pounds of Artisanal Cheese-Filled Tortellini: The artisanal cheese-filled tortellini serves as the main component of the dish, providing a rich and satisfying flavor to the pasta. The cheese filling adds creaminess to each bite, enhancing the overall texture.
• 2 Cups of Sweet Cherry Tomatoes, Halved for a Burst of Freshness: Sweet cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness, vibrant color, and a juicy element to the dish. Halving them allows their natural flavors to mingle with the other ingredients.
• 1 Cup of Sliced Kalamata Olives, Adding a Rich Mediterranean Twist: Kalamata olives contribute a distinct and rich flavor, infusing a Mediterranean twist into the dish. Their briny and savory notes complement the cheese-filled tortellini.
• 1 Cup of Diced Crimson Red Onion for a Vibrant Flavor: Diced red onions bring a vibrant and slightly pungent flavor to the dish, adding a layer of complexity and color. They provide a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes.
• 1 Cup of Diced Ruby Red Bell Pepper, Infusing Color and Sweetness: Ruby red bell peppers contribute both color and sweetness to the dish. Dicing them ensures a harmonious distribution of flavors and adds a visually appealing element.
• 1 Cup of Diced Crisp Green Bell Pepper for a Crunchy Contrast: Diced green bell peppers provide a crunchy contrast to the other softer ingredients. They bring a mild, fresh flavor that complements the overall texture of the dish.
• 1 Cup of Flavorful Italian Dressing, Elevating the Taste Profile: Italian dressing serves as a flavorful and aromatic coating for the pasta salad. It adds a zesty and herb-infused taste, tying together the diverse flavors of the ingredients.
• Salt and Pepper, Applied with Artistic Precision to Perfectly Season the Dish: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing and balancing the flavors in the dish. Applied with precision, they ensure that each bite is well-seasoned and delicious.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini:

Boil a large pot of salted water. Follow the package instructions for cooking artisanal cheese-filled tortellini until they reach the al dente stage. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables:

a. Halve the sweet cherry tomatoes.

b. Slice the Kalamata olives.

c. Dice the crimson red onion, ruby red bell pepper, and crisp green bell pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad:

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled tortellini with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, diced crimson red onion, diced ruby red bell pepper, and diced crisp green bell pepper.

Step 4: Season the Salad:

a. Pour the flavorful Italian dressing over the salad ingredients.

b. Add salt and pepper to taste, applying them with artistic precision to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Toss Gently:

Gently toss all the ingredients together until the tortellini and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing and seasoning.

Step 6: Chill (Optional):

For an intensified flavor experience, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve:

Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Present this artisanal cheese-filled tortellini salad as a delightful and colorful dish.

Step 8: Enjoy:

Indulge in the refreshing tortellini salad, savoring the burst of Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or as a vibrant side dish for any occasion.

Notes

Here are some tips and tricks to make the perfect Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad:

• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
• For a vegan option, omit the cheese and use a vegan pesto.
• If you don’t have fresh vegetables, you can use frozen or canned.
• If you don’t have time to make the dressing, a store-bought vinaigrette will work.
• If you want to add protein, cooked chicken or shrimp can be added.
• If you want to make this dish more filling, add cooked quinoa or rice.

Nutrition Information

One serving of Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad contains approximately 250 calories, 11g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein.

How to Store Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad?

Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Variations

This dish can be easily customized to your taste. Here are some variations:

• Add Protein: Cooked chicken or shrimp can be added to make this dish more filling.
• Add Grains: Cooked quinoa or rice can be added to make this dish more filling.
• Add Cheese: Feta, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese can be added for extra flavor.
• Add Nuts:Toasted pine nuts or almonds can be added for crunch.
• Add Fruit: Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples can be added for sweetness.
• Add Beans:Canned chickpeas or black beans can be added for extra protein and fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad last in the refrigerator?

Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad can last in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, this dish can be made vegan by omitting the cheese and using a vegan pesto.

What vegetables can I use in this dish?

You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, cooked chicken or shrimp can be added to make this dish more filling.

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini for this recipe.

Can I use store-bought dressing for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought vinaigrette or pesto for this recipe.

Conclusion

Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad is a delicious and simple dish to make. It is made with store-bought fresh or frozen tortellini, a variety of vegetables and herbs, and a delicious dressing. 

This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck. It is sure to be a crowd pleaser! With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this dish in no time. Customize it to your taste and enjoy!

You’ll also like these latest recipes!

• Thai Angel Wings Copycat Recipe
• Costco Cauliflower Rice
• How to make Costco Green Chili Chicken Bowl