Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad (Cold Italian Picnic Salad)

Looking for the ultimate cold pasta salad that eats like a meal? This Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad brings all the big, bold Italian deli flavors you love into one irresistible bowl! It’s meaty, cheesy, tangy, and perfect for potlucks, cookouts, holidays, or easy make-ahead dinners.

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My husband James and I absolutely love this for lunch on a busy day when we don’t feel like cooking—and my daughter Ariya loves picking out the mozzarella cubes and tortellini while my 1-year-old son Cameron nibbles on soft bites of salami and cherry tomatoes. It’s one of those versatile dishes the whole family can enjoy in their own way!

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What Is Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad?

This hearty salad is basically an antipasto platter—think meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies—tossed with cheesy tortellini and coated in zesty Italian dressing. It’s loaded with texture, full of Mediterranean flavor, and doesn’t require turning on the stove for long (just a quick tortellini boil).

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When to Serve

This pasta salad is a showstopper for:

• Potlucks and BBQs
• Baby showers or bridal showers
• Holiday buffets (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)
• Summer cookouts
• Cold lunches and meal prep
• Easy no-cook dinners

It also travels beautifully, so it’s perfect for taking to someone’s house or serving outdoors.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with flavor: Meats, olives, cheese, peppers, artichokes—every bite is different!
• Meal-worthy: Not just a side dish—it’s filling enough to be a full lunch or dinner.
• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
• Crowd-pleasing: It hits all the flavor notes—savory, tangy, cheesy, zesty, and fresh.
• No mayo: Great for outdoor gatherings where refrigeration may be limited.

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Low-Carb or Gluten-Free Swaps

While traditional tortellini is delicious and satisfying, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit special dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta (many stores now carry gluten-free tortellini options too!). If you’re aiming for a low-carb alternative, skip the pasta altogether and turn this into a chopped antipasto salad using all the meats, cheeses, olives, and veggies—just toss them with dressing for a flavorful, high-protein option. This also makes it a great keto-friendly dish.

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Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need and why each one makes this salad so irresistible:

• Tortellini: The heart of the dish. Use fresh, refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best texture.
• Pepperoni & Genoa Salami: Savory, salty, and satisfying. Diced for easy eating.
• Green & Kalamata Olives: Add briny flavor and color contrast.
• Bell Pepper: I like using red or orange for a pop of sweetness and crunch.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cubes: Creamy and mild, they balance out the stronger flavors.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy, and sweet.
• Pepperoncinis: Zippy and tangy! These add major Italian deli energy.
• Artichoke Hearts: Tender and earthy—so underrated in pasta salad!
• Italian Dressing: Zesty, herby, and easy! You’ll use half to start and the rest to freshen up before serving.
• Parsley & Italian Seasoning: Adds a touch of fresh herb flavor and color.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Swap meats: Use prosciutto, soppressata, or turkey pepperoni.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add marinated mushrooms or grilled zucchini.
• Change the cheese: Try provolone, feta, or shaved Parmesan instead of mozzarella.
• Add crunch: Toss in croutons just before serving or add toasted pine nuts.
• Use store-bought antipasto mix: As a shortcut, you can buy a pre-marinated antipasto mix and toss it in with the tortellini.

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Storage, Make-Ahead, & Leftovers

Make-Ahead Tips:

• You can assemble the full salad 1–2 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
• Add only half the dressing at first—then freshen it up with more dressing just before serving so it doesn’t get soggy.

Storage Instructions:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• It tastes better as it sits—just give it a good stir and splash of dressing before serving.

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Troubleshooting Tips

Too dry? Add more Italian dressing before serving.

Too salty? Rinse the olives or use low-sodium dressing. You can also add extra tomatoes or bell pepper to balance it.

Watery salad? Drain all canned ingredients well and pat wet ingredients dry before adding.

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Leftover Ideas

One of my favorite things about this tortellini salad is how well it keeps—and how versatile the leftovers are! If you’ve got extra salad in the fridge, try wrapping it up in a flour tortilla or spinach wrap for an easy lunch-on-the-go. You can also spoon it over a bed of greens for an upgraded Italian-inspired lunch salad. My husband James is all about protein-packed meals, so sometimes we’ll toss in extra grilled chicken or even canned tuna for a next-day remix that tastes brand new. Ariya, my 5-year-old, loves picking out the little mozzarella cubes, and even baby Cameron enjoys the softer tortellini bites.

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What to Serve with Antipasto Tortellini Salad

This is a complete dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Angel Biscuits
• A cup of soup like tomato basil or creamy potato
• A light green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

And for dessert? Try this easy no-bake treat:

• No Bake Strawberry Delight

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Budget Breakdown

Here’s a rough estimate of what it might cost to make this salad (based on average U.S. prices):

• Tortellini – $4.00
• Pepperoni – $2.50
• Salami – $2.50
• Olives – $3.00
• Bell Pepper – $1.00
• Mozzarella – $3.00
• Cherry Tomatoes – $2.00
• Pepperoncinis – $1.50
• Artichoke Hearts – $2.50
• Italian Dressing – $2.50
• Herbs & Seasonings – $0.50

Total Estimated Cost: $25–$28
Serves 6 = Approx. $4.50 per serving

It’s more budget-friendly than ordering deli antipasto, and makes a generous amount!

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FAQ

Can I make this pasta salad the night before?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Just save half the dressing to toss in before serving so it doesn’t dry out.

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just cook it according to the package and let it cool completely before mixing it into the salad.

What kind of Italian dressing should I use?
You can use store-bought or homemade. I like using Olive Garden dressing for a zesty kick, but any Italian or vinaigrette-style dressing works.

How long does it last in the fridge?
This salad holds up well for about 3–4 days. The tortellini may absorb some of the dressing, so add a splash before serving again.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free tortellini and double-check that your salami, pepperoni, and dressing are also gluten-free.

Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely. Cucumber, roasted red peppers, baby spinach, marinated mushrooms, or even small broccoli florets are all great add-ins.

How do I serve it at a party?
Chill the bowl and keep it on ice if outdoors. Garnish with extra parsley and shaved Parmesan for a fancy touch.

Is this kid-friendly?
Surprisingly yes—just dice everything small! My daughter Ariya loves the tortellini and cheese, and my toddler son enjoys the tomatoes and meat chunks.

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Holiday Serving Ideas

This pasta salad is perfect for holidays and entertaining! Add it to your Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Summer get togethers spread for a pop of color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats and makes a refreshing contrast to heavy mains.

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Party Platter Idea

Hosting a gathering? Portion this pasta salad into small plastic deli containers and gift them as part of a lunch kit with a roll and cookie. Or bring it in a large glass bowl with festive garnish (like red bell peppers and parsley) for a beautiful centerpiece salad.

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Build-Your-Own Antipasto Pasta Salad Bar

If you’re hosting a party or backyard cookout, consider turning this salad into a build-your-own antipasto bar. Set out all the components in separate bowls—cooked tortellini, chopped meats, fresh mozzarella, olives, veggies, and dressing—and let guests assemble their own bowls. It’s interactive, customizable, and super kid-friendly. This is especially great if you’re serving people with dietary restrictions or preferences, and it guarantees everyone gets exactly what they want. Plus, it’s always a hit when entertaining!

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Final Thoughts

This Antipasto Tortellini Pasta Salad is one of those recipes that just works—no matter the season, the occasion, or who’s around the table. It’s zesty, hearty, colorful, and so easy to customize. Whether I’m serving it to my kids for lunch or bringing it to a cookout with friends, it never lasts long in the bowl.

More Pasta Salad Recipes

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• Macaroni Dill Pasta Salad
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