Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Copycat – Easy Deli Style Recipe
Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Copycat – Easy Deli Style Recipe
Recreate that beloved deli-style tortellini pasta salad right in your own kitchen! This copycat recipe captures the creamy, flavorful essence of the popular store-bought version but with fresh ingredients and customizable flavors. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or quick weeknight dinners, this salad comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes even better than the original.
What makes this tortellini salad so special is the combination of cheese-filled pasta with crisp vegetables and a tangy, creamy dressing that clings perfectly to every bite. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at gatherings and keeps well for meal prep throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: While the tortellini cools, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red onion, and slice the black olives and pepperoncini.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, prepared vegetables, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
Step 5: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Expert Tips
For the best results, make this salad a few hours ahead of time or even the night before. The flavors develop beautifully as it chills. If you’re looking for other delicious salad options, try this classic Italian tortellini pasta salad for another crowd-pleasing variation.
Don’t overcook the tortellini – they should be al dente to maintain their texture in the salad. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. This salad pairs wonderfully with other Mediterranean-inspired dishes like this fresh Greek tortellini pasta salad for a complete meal spread.
If you’re serving this at a party, consider doubling the recipe – it’s always a hit! The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. For more quick and easy salad ideas, check out this creamy deviled egg pasta salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, frozen cheese tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook according to package directions and cool completely before using.
How long does this pasta salad keep? It stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make this vegan? Absolutely! Use vegan tortellini and substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
What other vegetables can I add? Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers would all be delicious additions to this versatile salad.
Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Copycat – Easy Deli Style Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
- While the tortellini cools, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red onion, and slice the black olives and pepperoncini.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, prepared vegetables, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
