Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Copycat – Easy Deli Style Recipe
Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Copycat – Easy Deli Style Recipe
Recreate that beloved grocery store tortellini pasta salad right in your own kitchen! This creamy, flavorful copycat recipe captures all the deliciousness of the deli counter version but costs a fraction of the price. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep, this crowd-pleasing pasta salad comes together in just minutes.
What makes this recipe so special is its perfect balance of creamy dressing, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and crisp vegetables. It’s the kind of side dish that disappears quickly at any gathering, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or need a quick lunch option for the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow to cool completely.
Step 2: While the tortellini cools, prepare your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, dice the red onion and bell peppers, and chop the fresh herbs.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add the cooled tortellini to the dressing and gently toss to coat. Fold in the prepared vegetables, olives, and fresh herbs.
Step 5: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and gently mix one more time. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Expert Tips
For the best results, make this salad at least 2-3 hours ahead of time. The flavors develop beautifully as it chills. If you’re making it for a party, consider preparing it the night before – just hold back on adding the fresh herbs until right before serving to keep them vibrant and fresh.
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Try adding other vegetables like cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers. For a heartier version, you could add some grilled chicken or turkey sausage. The creamy dressing base works wonderfully with so many additions.
If you love pasta salads, you might also enjoy our Tasty Grinder Tortellini Salad or the refreshing Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad for Mediterranean flavors.
FAQ
How long does this pasta salad keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this tortellini salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, though I recommend adding the fresh herbs closer to serving time for maximum freshness.
What can I serve with this pasta salad?
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a larger salad bar. It’s also substantial enough to serve as a main dish for lunch. For more summer side dish inspiration, check out our Perfect Avocado Corn Salad.
Can I use different types of tortellini?
Yes! While cheese tortellini is traditional, you can use spinach tortellini, mushroom tortellini, or any other variety you prefer. The recipe is very adaptable to different pasta fillings.
Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad Copycat – Easy Deli Style Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow to cool completely.
- While the tortellini cools, prepare your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives, dice the red onion and bell peppers, and chop the fresh herbs.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Add the cooled tortellini to the dressing and gently toss to coat. Fold in the prepared vegetables, olives, and fresh herbs.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and gently mix one more time. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
