Copycat Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad
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My Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad copycat recipe is full of fresh and flavorful ingredients like cheese tortellini, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and spicy salami. And don’t forget about those creamy mozzarella pearls too! Tossed in Italian dressing, it’s the perfect cold side dish for backyard parties, potlucks, picnics, or just plain old lunch at home!
Table of Contents
Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad
I have always been a big fan of supermarket pasta salad, and Costco tortellini pasta salad is no different!
The one thing I don’t like about it? Sometimes it gets this weird, overly tangy flavor, especially after a few days in the fridge.
Well, the best way to avoid that supermarket taste is to make things ourselves, my friends! That was my thinking when I headed to the kitchen to whip up my version of the tortellini pasta salad at Costco, anyway.
I absolutely LOVE using tortellini in pasta salad, so this was right up my alley. It’s kind of like my recipes for Tuscan tortellini pasta salad or pizza pasta salad, but a little bit simpler!
The hardest part of making it is boiling the tortellini, and even that is super duper easy. This is one of those beginner-friendly, foolproof recipes that I love sharing here on the blog.
It’ll be perfect for warm weather parties or meal prep for a week of lunches!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Cheese Tortellini – I love using tortellini over regular pasta in salads… it bulks the whole thing up, and I’ll never say no to extra cheese!
- Grape Tomatoes – For a pop of juicy goodness in every bite! Use cherry tomatoes if that’s all you have, and be sure to try my slicing hack when prepping them.
- Black Olives – I decided to keep the black olives whole, just like the tortellini pasta salad at Costco. Either head to the olive bar at the grocery store or use canned!
- Red Onion – For a slight bite. I didn’t want this to come out too oniony, so I went with milder red ones over stronger, more pungent yellow onions.
- Mozzarella Pearls – Basically mini mozzarella balls, these creamy and soft delights are the perfect cheese for tortellini salad!
You could also always chop a bigger mozz, or opt for shredded Parmesan or feta if you need to. - Salami – I just love this spicy deli meat. It adds more protein, flavor, and pairs well with the other ingredients in Costco tortellini pasta salad!
Pepperoni, prosciutto, or bacon bits are good subs. - Tuscan Italian Dressing – Store-bought or homemade dressing would both work. You could also try balsamic vinaigrette or Caesar dressing for a different twist!
Tips and Tricks to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad like Costco
- Cook the tortellini to al dente and don’t forget to rinse.
Since the cheese-filled pasta will sit in the dressing and soak up some of its moisture, it’s important not to overcook it!
Al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions) is perfect for keeping them from becoming soggy or mushy.
Make sure to rinse the tortellini under cold water to stop the cooking process too!
- Drain the other ingredients well.
Something else to keep in mind when prepping is to drain the olives and mozzarella pearls well before adding them to the mix.
You’ll get rid of any excess sodium on the olives and prevent any extra liquid from watering down the dressing.
Moisture control is clearly very important in this recipe… or any pasta salad recipe really!!
- Chill before serving.
You’re going to want to leave the assembled salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before digging in.
Not only does it taste better cold, but you’ll also give all of the flavors the chance to really meld together.
If you’ve got time for it, chilling for several hours is your best bet! You could even make your Costco tortellini pasta salad 1 day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Toss gently.
You don’t want to break up the tortellini as you go!
Mix the salad with a silicone spatula in a soft folding motion. It will keep the pasta from ripping and help keep your salad looking fresh.
Prep Ahead
- Boil the tortellini
- Chop the tomatoes and salami
- Prepare the dressing (if using homemade)
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Large Pot and Strainer to cook and drain the tortellini.
- Large Bowl – This one is my go-to!
- Quality Knives and a big solid Cutting Board make prepping a breeze and are well worth the investment.
Serving Suggestions
I’ve seen many a tortellini pasta salad from Costco at parties, barbecues, and potlucks, so I will definitely be making mine from scratch from now on!
It’s always such a hit at gatherings and pairs super well with burgers, hot dogs, chips, and dips.
Or for a tasty meal at home, serve it with some garlic Parmesan breadsticks and lemon chicken bites for your main, and a fresh fruit salad for a fun summertime dessert.
Easy Customization Ideas
There are so many ways to make a Costco tortellini salad your own!
- Add roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, or sundried tomatoes for some easy extra flavor.
- Chopped basil or parsley would be a welcome garnish!
- Try using grilled chicken, cubed ham, or cooked shrimp instead of salami if deli meats aren’t your thing.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the dressing would bring some heat!
Storing Leftover Costco Tortellini Salad
Leftover tortellini salad will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. But like I said, it may actually taste even better after all of that chilling time!
If you notice it starts to dry out, you can always refresh it with a little extra dressing before serving.
Either toss it all together if you know it’ll be gone by round two, or drizzle a little extra over an individual serving before mixing it all up.
Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad FAQ
Sure thing! Simply cook according to the package instructions, but remember to pull them off the heat once al dente, the same as if they were fresh.
Also, ensure they’re fully cooked before mixing with the other ingredients.
Yes! Try adding cucumber, roasted zucchini, banana peppers, or toasted pine nuts to Costco tortellini salad for more flavor and texture.
Yes — remember that it will taste even better the longer it’s left to chill. Within good reason, of course… don’t leave it in the fridge for weeks at a time!
If you do plan on making yours ahead, I suggest adding a bit less dressing than you normally would so it doesn’t go soggy. Then, incorporate a little more just before serving so it looks and tastes fresh!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Copycat Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved (about 10 ounces)
- 1/2 cup whole black olives
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup salami, diced or cut into small strips
- 1/2 cup Tuscan Italian dressing, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the tortellini according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooled tortellini, grape tomatoes, red onion, black olives, salami, and mozzarella pearls until evenly combined.
- Add the Dressing & Chill: Pour half of the Italian dressing into the pasta salad and gently toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
- Final Toss & Serve: Before serving, toss the pasta salad with the remaining Italian dressing. Serve cold and enjoy!
Donna’s Notes
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published July 2025
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